How Nauryz Was Celebrated in Astana: Traditions, Sports, and the Spirit of Spring

Spring in Astana traditionally begins with one of the country’s most beloved holidays, Nauryz. In 2026, citywide celebrations once again brought together thousands of residents and visitors to open-air venues, where ancient traditions, national games, crafts, and family activities combined to create a vibrant festive atmosphere. In recent years, Nauryz has also taken on a broader role in Kazakhstan’s public life, reflecting efforts to reinforce national identity and cultural continuity in a rapidly modernizing society. In Astana, where public space and national imagery are carefully curated, the holiday takes on a particularly structured and representative form. This year, the city’s central squares were transformed into a large ethno-village. Traditional yurts were set up throughout the area, decorated with national carpets, ornaments, and objects reflecting nomadic culture. Inside, visitors could explore elements of the traditional Kazakh way of life. Wooden tableware, textiles with ornamental patterns, fur decorations, and historical weapons created a strong sense of cultural heritage. The air carried the sounds of traditional music and the smell of freshly prepared dishes, adding to the immersive atmosphere. Craft exhibitions attracted particular attention. Artists and artisans presented paintings and decorative panels inspired by Kazakh ornaments and steppe symbolism. Bright compositions, created using techniques ranging from textured painting to decorative ceramics, showed how these patterns continue to find expression in contemporary art. [caption id="attachment_45761" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image: TCA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_45762" align="aligncenter" width="2365"] Image: TCA[/caption] Traditional games are an integral part of Nauryz. One of the most notable competitions was asyk atu, an ancient Kazakh game in which players use skill and precision to knock down asyks (sheep knucklebones) from a distance. Spectators gathered around the playing area, watching the precise throws of experienced participants. Strength contests were also a major draw. On stages and sports grounds, athletes demonstrated their power and endurance in kettlebell lifting, attracting large crowds. Such competitions have long symbolized the resilience and physical strength associated with steppe traditions. As Nauryz is a family-centered holiday, special attention was given to activities for children. In designated play zones, young visitors could learn about folk customs, take part in workshops, and try on national costumes, alongside more modern раstimes, including digital games and interactive exhibits. Many residents attended with their extended families. Across the festival grounds, elderly people in traditional headwear, parents with children, and groups of young people gathered together, creating a sense of unity tied to the arrival of spring. [caption id="attachment_45763" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image: TCA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_45764" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image: TCA[/caption] Nauryz celebrations in Astana in 2026 showed that the holiday is more than a date on the calendar. It remains a marker of renewal and continuity, with traditions passed down through generations still visible in the modern capital, where people of different ages and backgrounds come together to celebrate. In Astana, Nauryz continues to evolve without losing its core meaning, balancing carefully staged tradition with everyday participation. In a city defined by its future-facing architecture, the holiday offers a reminder that renewal is rooted as much in continuity...