The cultural and sports event "Kymyzmunyrdyk 2026" has started at the Karkara mountain pasture in Kegen district, Almaty region, reports Todayinfo. The festival coincides with the 368th anniversary of the sage Almerik Zhanshyquly and is held for the fifth time.
Guests are arriving from all over the country, as well as from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the Republic of Karakalpakstan. About 35,000 visitors are expected to participate.
From early morning, attendees explored various thematic areas. In the ethno-village consisting of over a hundred yurts, guests viewed an exhibition showcasing the rich culture of the Kazakh people. Works of craftsmen and artists were presented, along with agricultural machinery and products from local producers.
The festival features competitions in national games: horse racing, Kazakh wrestling, strongman contests, coin picking, asyk game, and sheep lifting. The show program of the "Topzhargar" ethno-art center, performances by the "Tolagai" art center, and concerts by local artists and popular pop stars create a festive mood.
For children, there are attractions, a puppet theater, handicraft and drawing workshops, and competitions in chess and toguzkumalak. Guests enjoy the national drink kymyz and traditional Kazakh dishes.
