Almaty's Nauryz 2024 blends tradition with bold innovation and record feats
Almaty's Nauryz celebrations in 2024 brought together tradition and innovation across the city. Festivals, sports, and cultural displays marked the event, blending old customs with modern twists. From record-breaking feats to ecological awareness, the festivities drew crowds to various landmarks and venues.
The Central Hippodrome hosted a kokpar tournament, where the 'Zhetysu' team took first place. Meanwhile, at Astana Square, an exhibition of tazys—Kazakh sighthounds—became a major attraction, showcasing the breed's speed and grace. Caring for these dogs demands considerable effort, with monthly feeding costs for one reaching around 35,000 tenge.
Abai Square near the Palace of the Republic buzzed with activity, featuring artisans and food stalls from different regions. The atmosphere highlighted unity through shared culture and cuisine. Over a hundred yurts set up around the city served as gathering points for workshops, performances, and discussions on innovation. At the Atakent Exhibition Center, the 'Nauryz Bereke Merekeli' festival focused on sustainability and ecological responsibility. Visitors explored green initiatives and learned about preserving natural resources. The event emphasised how traditional values can align with modern environmental goals. Sports took centre stage as well. Yernar Zhasuzak broke a record in *zhambyl zhyry*, standing on a galloping horse without using his hands for balance. Dinara Saidalina also made history by hitting four archery targets at 35.9 km/h while riding a camel. In total, 12 traditional sports were documented and showcased during the celebrations, from horseback archery to wrestling.
The 2024 Nauryz festivities in Almaty highlighted both heritage and progress. Events like the kokpar tournament, tazy exhibitions, and record-breaking performances drew wide attention. With cultural exchanges, ecological discussions, and sporting achievements, the celebrations reinforced the city's role as a vibrant hub for tradition and innovation.
