A Lively Celebration in the Land of Kazakhstan: Nauryznama Decade
Over 1,500 Nauryz festivities set to captivate Kazakhstan
Welcome to the vibrant and heart-warming Nauryznama Decade, a nationwide extravaganza spanning across 10 days, from March 14 to 23! This breathtaking cultural festivity in Kazakhstan celebrates the arrival of spring and the New Year, as per the solar astronomical calendar of historically Persian and Turkic-speaking nations.
Kazakhstan will play host to over 1,500 events that will showcase the country's rich cultural heritage and values.
Photo credit: Akorda
The origins of Nauryz can be traced back to the millennia, deeply rooted within the Kazakh culture. If Nauryz is an internationally recognized holiday in Central Asia, the Middle East, the Caucasus, the Balkans, then Nauryznama is a traditional folk holiday, lasting at least eight days across the Great Steppe.
Photo credit: Akorda
In 2024, the ten-day format was introduced on the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, formalizing this age-old tradition. Each day carries a special theme, like:
- March 14 - Amal Holiday (Korisu): A day of renewal and greetings after the long winter.
- March 15 - Kayrymdylyk: A day dedicated to charity, mercy, and good neighborliness.
- March 16 - Shanyrak: Celebrating family values.
- March 17 - Day of culture, art and national traditions.
- March 18 - National Costume Day.
- March 19 - Janaru: A day of renewal and rejuvenation.
- March 20 - National Sports Day.
- March 21 - Yntymak: A day of solidarity.
- March 22 - Jyl Basy: The New Year.
- March 23 - Tazaru: A day of a pure mind and intentions.
During the festivities, the country's traditions and values shine brightly. The new logo of the holiday features three tulips, symbolizing Kazakhstan's past, present, and future.
The celebrations this year will be nothing short of spectacular, with events such as the Kamazhai national dance flash mob in Astana, the Nauryz-Arbat project in the Akmola Region featuring artisans and creative industry representatives, a 1,000-woman procession in Kokshetau, a parade of national costumes in Aktobe, and many more!
Nauryznama has the potential to become a key tourist brand for Kazakhstan, standing alongside renowned global festivals like the carnivals in Rio de Janeiro, cherry blossom season in Japan, Holi festival in India, Oktoberfest in Germany, and the San Fermín festival or La Tomatina in Spain.
Visitors to Kazakhstan during the Nauryznama Decade can look forward to experiencing a myriad of cultural activities such as traditional processions, national costumes parades, and participating in traditional sports. The celebration also offers delightful cultural experiences, such as tasting authentic Kazakh cuisine, engaging with local communities, and learning about their customs.
So, mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable celebration that embodies unity, renewal, and friendship as spring arrives in the land of Kazakhstan!
Experience the fusion of home and lifestyle during the Nauryznama Decade, where you can witness the transformation of homes into vibrant displays of Kazakh culture and traditions. Meanwhile, explore the home-and-garden sector as artisans demonstrate traditional crafting techniques for Nauryz-themed décor and lifestyle products.
