00:01Music, flavors, traditions, and adventure. That's the magic of festivals.
00:12Festivals are shaped in the way people will discover countries, but what makes them travel thousands of kilometers for a
00:17festival?
00:22Emotions! Join me as we explore how Kazakhstan is becoming one of Central Asia's most creative culture hubs.
00:30It all begins with spring. The oldest nomadic festival is Nauras. The celebration spans 10 days and is still cherished
00:38by all Turkic nations.
00:39This is the foundation of the country's festive spirit.
00:42In Kazakhstan, any occasion is a reason to celebrate. From welcoming the first spring tulips and blooming apple trees, to
00:49massive outdoor music festivals, major e-sport tournaments, and even the seasonal milking of mirrors, Kazakhstan's most unique festivals take
00:57place far from the cities.
01:00We traveled to the Jitosu region to experience an international paragliding festival that attracts pilots from around the world.
01:07At most festivals, the stage is the main attraction, but this one offers something different. The real show starts when
01:13you take off.
01:21It was always my dream to have such event in my local site, because our nature is very pristine. It's
01:28very wild, especially in Jitosu region.
01:30And this is what pilots are telling me is that this is the key elements that they don't have in
01:36Europe. They are very interested in this, to see which is untouched by the human civilization yet.
01:42And to fly above such mountains with such good view, it's amazing.
01:47While the skies remains filled with pilots, we are heading towards the city center, where the celebration continues with a
01:54massive live concert.
01:56We are doing this quite often. There are very famous festivals like this in France, in Kupikar, which is a
02:00world-caliber event in any sense.
02:02We have this in Monroe, in the United States. We have it in many, many places.
02:05It became a base where people are just gathering. This is the topic, but there are many other activities around.
02:15Many other Kazakhstan regions also offer their all-in vibrant traditions. Far to the east, in the pristine mountains of
02:22Katon Karagai, the Altai Fest unfolds as a spectacular celebration.
02:40This unique gathering brings together Turkic cultures from near and far under the open sky, reviving ancient nomadic traditions through
02:47folk music, traditional sports and crafts.
02:49What brings thousands of people to the canyons of Western Kazakhstan every August? The Akmaya Festival, a celebration of Mangistau's
02:57signature drink, fermented camel's milk Shubat.
03:13But you don't have to travel deep into the wild to find a festival.
03:16Back in the city of Almaty, there is something happening almost every weekend.
03:21But the most awaited event for the past five years is definitely Oyu Fest.
03:29Well, Aisultan, what makes this festival different from other music events in Central Asia?
03:34It all started because I used to be a music video director and a lot of Kazakh artists were coming
03:39for me.
03:40And like, unfortunately, I couldn't make it to everyone. So I just thought maybe I should build a space where
03:47they can come and perform.
03:56Beyond the entertainment, Oyu Fest has become a platform for Kazakhstan's creative industries, bringing together artists, entrepreneurs and visitors from
04:05across the country.
04:05For many, this festival has become a launchpad for big opportunities. Guests who once come just to watch are now
04:13using this platform to showcase their crafts.
04:15This is our third time. And before Kazakh culture or Kazakh music was in a way underground, most music festivals,
04:26their headliners were guests from abroad.
04:30This year, one of Kyrgyz artists will perform, let's say, we are nomads and we are always in our way.
04:38And this new nomadic way of celebrating music culture is very inspiring.
04:44Kazakhstan's festival culture is about connection. It's a bridge between ancient roots and a creative future.
04:51And for everyone looking to discover this country, the festival is the perfect place to start.
04:57For more details and money.
04:58Grazie a tutti.
