Celebrations for Nauryz, a time-honored Kazakh festival marking the arrival of spring, are set to commence across Kazakhstan starting March 21, 2025. With government-sanctioned holidays extending through March 25, citizens of Almaty, Astana, and beyond will engage in a rich tapestry of cultural and festive activities, making this year's observance a truly vibrant experience.
From lively street concerts to traditional sports competitions, the Nauryz festivities promise to be a spectacular showcase of Kazakh heritage. The heart of the celebrations will pulse in major cities, where local artists and performers will honor the season's change with music and dance. Many events will be free, encouraging wide community participation.
In Almaty, the main concert titled "Almaty in the Embrace of Nauryz" will be held on March 21 at 11 a.m. on Astana Square. A line-up of stars including legendary groups like "Dos-Muqasan" and popular singers such as Maira Mukhamediqyzy and Janar Aizhanova will grace the stage, along with performances from the Kazakh traditional arts theater and the ethnographic ensemble "Sazgen Sazy". These concerts are expected to draw large crowds, providing a festive atmosphere enveloped in music and celebration.
Complementing the concerts, Almaty will host the Nauryz Fest from March 21 to March 25 at Abai Square, bringing together elements of cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology. Each yurt at the festival will present unique programs, including live presentations of traditional instruments, interactive displays, and opportunities to engage with local artisans.
Similar exciting events will take place in Astana, where the government has organized a range of activities. Key locations for festivities include the Qazaq Eli monument and Baiterek. The city will feature concerts and competitions in traditional sports like Kazakh wrestling and tug of war, with local talents performing. The EXPO square is set to host an artisan fair where visitors can purchase handmade crafts and taste traditional dishes.
Children and adults alike will delight in diverse activities as contests will run across more than 30 locations throughout the capital. For example, on March 22, national sports competitions will occur alongside festivities at the Astana Arena, where participants will accolades and memorable prizes.
In a bid to enhance the festive spirit, public transport in Almaty and Astana will be adorned with beautiful traditional ornaments. Starting March 20 and continuing until April 22, 2025, 90 buses and 10 trolleybuses will don the festive decorations, transforming the city into a vibrant celebration of culture and heritage.
A special program, Nauryz Almaty Vibe, will take place on the pedestrian Panfilov Street on March 21 and 22, featuring innovative attractions like robotic performances, virtual avatars that engage visitors, and a unique kinetic tunnel that awes the audience with dynamic movements. In addition to technological innovations, visitors can enjoy the spirit of camaraderie through games and cultural experiences that highlight Kazakhstan's rich traditions.
On March 22, a particularly ambitious performance is anticipated, showcasing a choir of 5,000 voices singing the celebrated works of Abai Kunanbayev, in honor of his 180th birthday. The performance, stretching along Abai Avenue, is poised to be a momentous event that could even enter the record books.
As the excitement of Nauryz unfolds, citizens are reminded of some logistical adjustments: certain city streets, including sections of Tole bi Street, will be closed until March 23 in preparation for the celebrations. Various bus routes will also be rerouted to accommodate the influx of visitors expected for the festivities. An effort to maintain convenience for those using public transport is evident, with alternative routes planned to minimize disruption.
This year's Nauryz is not just a celebration of a new season; it is a testament to the resilience, unity, and the vibrant cultural fabric of Kazakhstan. It invites everyone—residents and visitors alike—to partake fully in the joy and festivities. As the city prepares for five days of celebration, there is a palpable sense of excitement; after all, it's a time for renewal, reflection, and joy.
