Times Square Comes Alive with Kazakh Nauryz Celebrations in 2026
New York's Times Square became the centre of a lively Nauryz celebration on 21 March 2026. The event showcased Kazakh traditions, music, and culture to a diverse audience. Over 500 performers from 20 cultural groups took part in the festivities.
The celebration featured traditional Kazakh elements, from folk dances to yurt exhibitions. Visitors sampled national cuisine while musicians played the dombra and kobyz. For the first time, the sounds of Kurmangazy's compositions filled Times Square.
Children's ensemble Mükis and the group Zhetigen performed alongside American guitarist Jeff Gersh, who joined on the dombra. The event also highlighted the tusau keser rite of passage, with participants dressed in national costumes. Apples with QR codes were handed out, linking to details about Kazakhstan's claim as the ancestral home of the fruit.
Diplomats, members of the Kazakh diaspora, students, and tourists attended the event. The Qazaq Tumar ensemble and other international artists contributed live music, blending Kazakh heritage with global influences.
The Nauryz celebration in Times Square brought Kazakh culture to a broad audience. Traditional performances, food, and interactive displays introduced visitors to the country's rich heritage. The event marked the first time many New Yorkers experienced Kazakh music and customs firsthand.
