Nauryz Goes Global

Photo by AI

There are many ways to promote Kazakhstan worldwide, and one of the most effective is celebrating national holidays abroad. In 2026, Kazakhs not only celebrated Nauryz at home but also introduced it beyond the borders in cities such as Los Angeles, Seoul, Antalya, New York, China, United Kingdom, and Venice. These events gained wide attention on social media, once again demonstrating the strong spirit and unity of our people.

On September 30, 2009, Nauryz was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Since then, March 21 has been officially recognized as International Nowruz Day. The word «Nauryz» comes from the Persian words “nau” (new) and “ruz” (day), meaning “new day.” The essence of the holiday lies in the spring equinox, when nature and all living things seem to be reborn. Nauryz is celebrated by both Iranian and Turkic peoples.

On the eve of the holiday, people clean their homes, get rid of unnecessary items, prepare festive meals, and wear elegant clothes. On the night before Nauryz, various containers are filled with grains, milk, ayran, and spring water as a symbol of prosperity for the coming year. People greet each other with warm wishes such as “Happy Nauryz!” In the morning, traditions include cleaning springs and planting trees; at noon, a generous festive table is set, guests are invited, and prayers are offered. During the day, national games and celebrations take place, while in the evening, traditional performances and gatherings conclude the festivities. For Kazakhs living abroad, Nauryz is a special time to remember and honor their traditions, even far from their homeland.

Among the many international celebrations, the events in London and New York stood out in particular.

Nauryz in London

In the London, Nauryz became more than just a holiday—it was a true revival of national spirit. The Kazakh diaspora in the United Kingdom celebrated the occasion at a high level, joined by Kazakhs from Turkey and China, demonstrating unity beyond borders.

The event began with welcoming guests and performing the national anthem. This was followed by the serving of Nauryz kozhe and a festive table, where guests enjoyed dishes such as Shymkent plov and Kyzylorda kazy.

The cultural program featured the sound of the dombra and traditional songs. A particularly memorable moment was the performance of the song “Apatay” by Miss Kausar together with journalist Galymzhan Karamanuly and his father. Women and young girls performed the traditional “Kamajai” dance, adding a special charm to the celebration.

National games were also an important part of the event: participants played asyk, engaged in arm wrestling, and organized activities for children. In a highlight wrestling match, a Kazakh wrestler competed against a wrestler from France, creating an exciting atmosphere.

Traditional customs were showcased as well, including the “Kyz Uzatu” (bride farewell) ceremony, introducing guests to Kazakh cultural heritage. The celebration concluded with a traditional blessing (bata), leaving participants inspired by the spirit of unity and tradition.

Nauryz in New York

In New York, Nauryz was celebrated on a grand scale at the iconic Times Square. The event brought together Kazakh diplomats, members of the diaspora, students, and city residents.

The program included a colorful showcase of national costumes and presentations of Kazakh culture, including the traditional “Tusau keser” ceremony. One of the highlights was the performance of the children’s ensemble “Alqissa” and the “Zhetygen” group.

For the first time, the sound of the dombra echoed across Times Square with the performance of the famous kyuis by Kurmangazy Sagyrbayuly. American musician Jeff Gersch also joined the performance, contributing to the promotion of Kazakh culture in the United States.

As part of the event, apples with QR codes were distributed, highlighting Kazakhstan as the homeland of apples. The celebration took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, strengthening cultural ties between Kazakhstan and the United States while introducing Kazakh traditions to a global audience.

In this way, celebrating Nauryz abroad allows people from Central Asia to preserve their cultural heritage and share it with the world.

MARATOVA Sabina,

11th grade student of Abai National School,

Young Correspondent of the Republican magazine «Farabi shakirti»

and the online publication www.farabishakirti.kz.

supervisor: Merzoyanova Meruert Umirserikovna