Nauryz, one of Kazakhstan’s most cherished holidays, marks the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature. This year, cities across the country held vibrant celebrations, blending national traditions with festive performances and heartfelt hospitality.
Astana: Festivities at the EXPO Site
In Kazakhstan’s capital, the main Nauryz celebrations took place at the EXPO site, where a grand stage hosted performances by folk artists. Attendees enjoyed traditional dances, songs, and theatrical productions that showcased the cultural legacy of the Kazakh people.
The city was adorned with national ornaments and bright spring-themed decorations, creating an atmosphere of renewal and joy. In addition to the cultural program, sports competitions were held, drawing both professional and amateur participants.
A bustling crafts fair was a central attraction, offering handmade felt goods, traditional attire, and jewelry crafted by local artisans.
Almaty: Ethno-Festival Meets Innovation
In Almaty, Nauryz was marked by large-scale festivities in Central Park, headlined by an ethno-festival featuring yurt villages and traditional Kazakh delicacies like baursaki, koumiss, and Nauryz kozhe. Folk ensembles performed kui and songs, immersing visitors in a celebratory ambiance.
A standout feature of the event was its integration of modern technology. A robot chef, for instance, fried baursaki on-site in an eye-catching fusion of tradition and innovation.
Prominent brands showcased their goods, and interactive workshops for children included felt weaving, ceramic painting, and dombra playing. As night fell, the city transitioned into lively Nauryz-themed parties, where national melodies blended with contemporary hits. Themed cocktails inspired by spring renewal added a modern twist to the age-old celebration.
Image: ТСА, Tamila Olzhbaekova
Taraz: Art, Crafts, and Nomadic Spirit
In Taraz, the streets came alive with folk art exhibitions. Inside ornately decorated yurts, local artists displayed paintings depicting Kazakh landscapes, mountains, rivers, and historic sites.
Woodcarvers showcased their craft through traditional musical instruments, utensils, and intricately carved animal figures and jewelry. Every detail reflected national symbolism, echoing the life and spirit of the steppe.
Visitors were also greeted by performers in authentic Kazakh armor, with men dressed in nomadic attire reenacting historical scenes. Batyrs holding majestic eagles evoked the ancient tradition of falconry, drawing crowds eager to connect with Kazakhstan’s nomadic past.
Image: ТСА, Tamila Olzhbaekova
Nauryz in Kazakhstan is more than just a spring festival, it’s a heartfelt return to cultural roots, a celebration of heritage, and a joyful embrace of a new beginning. Whether in Astana, Almaty, Taraz, or beyond, the holiday brings people together in a shared spirit of kindness, unity, and renewal.
