Kazakh culture events

The Kazakh people have a long tradition of peace, tolerance and co-existence. Children learn hospitality and respect from a very young age, and this is reflected in the wonderful hospitality offered to all guests and travelers. If you visit a Kazakh household - whether or not you are expected - those present will stand up in greeting as you enter the door. You will be seated on the tor - the special guest seat and offered a cup of either kumiss or tea. It is considered extremely poor manners to disturb the weary or hungry guest, so the host often remains silent until you are refreshed!

The first day of spring begins the Muslim New Year. In Kazakhstan, this holiday is known as Nauryz, and it is said that the more you celebrate at this time, the greater will be your success throughout the year. In fact, the celebration goes on for nearly a month! It’s a time to visit and congratulate friends and neighbors, and also a time to forgive each other. Guests are met in beautifully decorated yurts where they enjoy a traditional dish of Nauryzkoshe, which is made with seven different grains, representing the seven days of the week.

Many Kazakh national games feature horse racing or other games that are played on horseback. One endurance race features as many as two hundred participants, with riders going around a mile-long track for about thirty laps. Other games include Kokpar - a type of polo, Kumis Alu, where riders attempt to pick a handkerchief off the ground while galloping at full speed, or KuuzKuu – “catch the girl”, where the boys try to best the girls in a race.

Just as other aspects of Kazakh culture reflect its nomadic past, its cuisine retains many of these traditions. Of prime importance is hospitality to the guests, who receive a special welcome and are offered a place of honor. After the guest has enjoyed kumiss or another fermented milk drink like kefir, the meal is served.

Also of historical importance are the main ingredients of the meal. Traditionally, Kazakh cuisine was based mostly on meat (including horse meat) and milk products. The dastarkhan - feast table, is always laden with good things to eat.

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