As spring unfolds, Kazakhstanis are set to celebrate Nauryz, an ancient holiday marking the arrival of spring and the new year on the solar calendar. This year, the festivities promise to be robust, with a range of activities organized across the nation. From the 21st to the 25th of March, many Kazakhs will enjoy a much-anticipated five-day break.
The celebrations kick off with mass festivities on March 22, 2025, at 22 different locations throughout the city of Aktobe. According to Gulzhaina Bisenbaliyeva, head of the culture and language development department of the city, "On March 22, we will have mass celebrations at 22 points across the city, in residential areas and parks." These will include traditional yurts, concerts, and various sports events designed to bring communities together.
Nauryz is not just a festival; it’s a time for Kazakhs to embrace new beginnings, strengthen family ties, and engage in acts of charity. As one enthusiastic resident shared, “Nauryz is a time for warm greetings and good wishes,” emphasizing the holiday's cultural significance. This year, the festivities are framed around specific themes such as family, culture, national traditions, and sports, creating a cohesive experience that resonates with the essence of Kazakh identity.
In the capital city, Astana, festivities are already underway, having started on March 14 and lasting for ten days. The National Military-Patriotic Center will host a concert featuring the esteemed Kazakh orchestra, "Dostyk Sazy," on March 21. A whimsical puppet show titled "Nauryz-Duman" is also scheduled at the Puppet Theater. This year’s celebrations in Astana are projected to be particularly vibrant, showcasing over 200 different events, including sports competitions and art exhibitions.
Moreover, Almaty, one of Kazakhstan's largest cities, will take center stage on March 21 with a grand concert held at Astana Square. This event will feature beloved Kazakh artists such as the legendary ensemble "Dos-Mukasan" and many others, creating a lively atmosphere that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the nation. On March 22, a mass choral performance of works by the iconic Kazakh poet Abai Kunanbayev will be another highlight, drawing approximately 5,000 participants to join in this cultural celebration.
New traditions are being embraced, with Nauryz 2025 featuring not only cultural performances but also innovative formats like VR experiences illustrating Kazakhstan's history and traditions. Public fairs and artisan markets will be held, allowing visitors to explore local crafts and delicacies. Indeed, the creative arrangement of events emphasizes the merging of old and new, showcasing Kazakhstan's cultural evolution while honoring its roots.
Nauryz is steeped in history, dating back over three millennia to the first millennium BC, where it was officially celebrated in the Persian Empire. Its significance goes beyond mere festivity; it's a time for cleansing the old and welcoming the new. In preparation for Nauryz, families often clean their homes, discard old items, and share meal preparations that symbolize abundance, such as the traditional nauryz-kozhe—a hearty soup made with seven ingredients representing the prosperity of the coming year.
As the holiday approaches, Kazakhs across the country are encouraged to partake in the spirit of Nauryz by visiting family members, participating in community service, and enjoying feasts filled with traditional cuisines like baursaks, beshbarmak, and the aforementioned nauryz-kozhe. The heartfelt message behind these customs serves to reinforce community bonds, reminding everyone of the strength found in unity and traditional hospitality.
This year, Nauryz is not just a celebration but a testament to Kazakhstan's spirit of togetherness and renewal. With a wide array of activities planned, from cultural presentations to family gatherings, people are excited to witness the beauty of Kazakh traditions thriving in modern times. As noted by Tatiana Grigorieva, “Nauryz is not just a date in the calendar but a time for new beginnings, warm encounters, and respect for our roots.”
