Nauryz festival

The Nauryz Festival is Kazakhstan’s most significant cultural celebration, marking the arrival of spring and the Persian New Year. In 2025, the festivities spanned March 14 to 23, with the official public holidays observed from March 21 to 25, providing a five-day weekend for many .

🎉 Highlights of Nauryz 2025

Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, hosted over 200 events during the 10-day celebration, including concerts, exhibitions, performances, and more . Almaty also embraced the festivities with more than 500 events, featuring traditional and modern activities such as:

Nauryz Bazaar: A cultural fair at the EXPO International Exhibition Center, offering regional delicacies and artisanal products from Kazakhstan, Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, and other countries .

Nauryz Fest: An open-air party at the Sunkar International Ski Complex, blending tradition and modernity with performances by ZAQ, ARO, TAMGA, and DJ KINGMACCARELLA .

Concerts and Performances: Including the “Kyz Zhibek” opera, “Az-Nauryz” holiday concert at Astana Opera, and the “Heritage in Stitches” exhibition at the National Museum of Kazakhstan .

🌿 Traditions and Customs

Nauryz is deeply rooted in Kazakh traditions, symbolizing renewal and unity. Key customs include:

Nauryz Kozhe: A traditional soup made from seven ingredients—meat, water, flour, oil, millet, rice, and milk—each symbolizing a virtue .

Traditional Games: Competitions in wrestling, horseback riding, and horse racing, along with folk games like togyzkumalak (a traditional board game) and kyz kuu (a race between a man and a woman) .

Altybakan Swings: Set up during spring celebrations, these swings symbolize the passage from the “ordinary world” to the sky and serve as meeting places for young people .

📅 Nauryz 2025 Dates

Amal Holiday (March 14): Day of Greetings and Renewal

Kayrymdylyk (March 15): Day of Charity and Mercy

Shanyrak (March 16): Day of Family Values

Culture and National Traditions (March 17): Promoting Kazakh culture and art

National Costume Day (March 18): Celebrating traditional attire

Zhanaru (March 19): Renewal Day

National Sports Day (March 20): Featuring traditional sports competitions

Yntymak (March 21): Day of Solidarity

Jyl Basy (March 22): New Year

Tazaru (March 23): Day of Purification

These thematic days reflect the rich cultural heritage and values of Kazakhstan, fostering a sense of community and renewal.

If you’re planning to experience Nauryz in 2026, it’s advisable to check local event calendars and official announcements for the exact dates and celebrations.

Nauryz, also known as Nowruz or Norooz, is a significant and widely celebrated festival in Kazakhstan. It marks the beginning of spring and the Persian New Year and is observed by various communities, particularly those of Turkic and Persian origins. Here's an overview of the Nauryz festival in Kazakhstan:

Date: Nauryz is celebrated on March 21st or 22nd, depending on the exact timing of the spring equinox.

Symbolism: Nauryz is a celebration of the renewal of nature, the coming of spring, and the triumph of light over darkness. It represents hope, happiness, and the start of a new year.

Traditional Customs and Rituals:

Cleaning and Preparation: Before Nauryz, people thoroughly clean their homes, preparing for the festivities.
Wearing New Clothes: It is customary to wear new clothes on Nauryz, symbolizing a fresh start.
Haft-Seen Table: A special table called "Haft-Seen" is prepared with seven symbolic items that start with the letter "S" in Persian. These items often include sprouted wheat or barley, apples, garlic, and other items that represent renewal and prosperity.
Visiting Elders: Younger family members visit their elders to show respect and seek blessings.
Exchange of Gifts: People exchange gifts as a sign of good wishes for the new year.
Horse Racing: Horse racing is a common Nauryz tradition in Kazakhstan. Riders demonstrate their equestrian skills in various games and races.

Cultural Performances: Nauryz celebrations feature various cultural events, including traditional music, dance, and performances showcasing Kazakh and Turkic heritage.

Traditional Food: Special Nauryz dishes are prepared for the occasion. These may include "Nauryz Kozhe," a festive dish made from seven ingredients, and other traditional Kazakh cuisine.

Public Celebrations: In cities and towns across Kazakhstan, public events and parades are held, attracting both locals and tourists. These events often include traditional games, contests, and exhibitions.

Spring Festivals: Nauryz is also a time for various regional spring festivals and fairs, where artisans and vendors sell handicrafts and local products.

Ethnic and Religious Diversity: Kazakhstan's multicultural society means that the Nauryz celebrations are diverse, reflecting the traditions and customs of different ethnic groups, including Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Uighurs, and more.

Nauryz is a time of joy, unity, and cultural preservation in Kazakhstan. It brings people together to celebrate the arrival of spring, renew their spirits, and honor their rich cultural heritage. It's a great time for visitors to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Kazakh people and witness the country's cultural diversity.