Society

Astana showcases Kazakh culture with 'Land of the Great Steppe' festival

The main goal of the event is to preserve historical values and transfer them to new generations, said the Astana government.

By Aydar Ashimov

2018-08-30

The festival took place in an ethnic village built for tourists. Everything on its grounds conveyed the flavour of nomadic life. [Aydar Ashimov]

Children compete in a contest for best folk costume. All competitors received prizes. [Aydar Ashimov]

A woman demonstrates jewellery and household items that she made herself. [Aydar Ashimov]

Youth compete in an archery contest. [Aydar Ashimov]

Visitors could buy chests, bags, amulets, kitchen utensils, ornaments and much more at the exhibition. [Aydar Ashimov]

Museums from throughout Kazakhstan displayed their artefacts in yurts. [Aydar Ashimov]

Visitors try free samples of kumis, a traditional drink made from mare's milk. They also could try kurt, which is made from salted curds. [Aydar Ashimov]

Players in a theatrical performance ask Allah to preserve peaceful life in Kazakhstan. [Aydar Ashimov]

Young men compete in a show of strength that requires holding a heavy sword with a single extended arm. Professional strongman Sergei Tsyrulnikov (right) urges participants to live a happy life and to engage in sports. [Aydar Ashimov]

A tourist from Poland (left) and her Kazakh translator share a two-person Kazakh swing. Tourists from various countries attended the festival to learn more about Kazakhstan and its cultural heritage. [Aydar Ashimov]

ASTANA -- A festival held in Astana August 25-26 highlighted the glories of Kazakh culture.

"Kazakhstan - Land of the Great Steppe" was meant "to show the successful integration of Kazakh culture into modern life, develop youths' interest in historical values and to showcase the beauty in the work of [Kazakh] craftspersons", reads the statement from the municipal government (akimat).

The Ministry of Culture and Sport organised the festival.

Spectators watched a theatre performance, "The Caravan of History", and traditional sports. They also sampled delicious dishes and could take part in a folk costume contest for both children and adults. The judges rated the costumes for creativity and the clever use of modern materials.

Children compete in a contest for best folk costume at the "Kazakhstan - Land of the Great Steppe" festival in Astana on August 25-26. All competitors received prizes. [Aydar Ashimov]

"My whole family and I came to the festival from Karaganda," Asem Satylganova, 23, told Caravanserai. "It’s fun here, and there are things to see and do for both adults and children. You can try favourite dishes, ride on swings and take part in contests."

She enjoyed seeing visitors from other countries who came to see Kazakhstan and to learn more about its cultural heritage, she emphasised.