The long-awaited Kymyzmunyrdyk 2026 festival will be held on June 27 at Karkara jailau in Kegen district, reports Todayinfo. The event is timed to coincide with the 368th anniversary of the sage Al merek Zhanshykuly. About 35,000 guests from Kazakhstan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, the Republic of Karakalpakstan, and other countries are expected to attend.
Kymyzmunyrdyk is one of the good traditions of the Kazakh people passed down from generation to generation. It is a festival that glorifies hospitality, generosity, unity, and harmony. The event will also contribute to the development of tourism.
This festival has been held at Karkara jailau four times before. Last year, more than 8,000 people participated, 40 yurts were set up, and about 250 small business representatives were involved. This year, more than 80 yurts are planned, and the number of visitors is expected to increase several times.
As part of the cultural and sports event Kymyzmunyrdyk 2026, national traditions and games will be showcased, and a crafts exhibition will be organized. Specifically, horse racing, Kazakh wrestling, kyz kuu (chasing a girl), coin picking, archery, and koi koteru (lifting a sheep) competitions will be held. Also, a show program by the Topzh argan ethno-art center, performances by the Tolagai art center, and a concert by local artists and popular pop stars will be presented. For youth, there will be altybakan (swing), tug of war, arm wrestling, and national games, while for children, a special area with attractions, puppet theater, crafts, drawing, chess, and togyz kumalak competitions will be organized.
Currently, preparatory work is actively underway at Karkara jailau. Organizers are tidying up the racetrack and preparing seats for spectators. All organizational measures are being implemented systematically to create comfortable conditions for guests.
