00:00Music, flavors, traditions and adventure. That's the magic of festivals.
00:12Festivals are shaped the way people will discover countries.
00:15But what makes them travel thousands of kilometers for a festival?
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.
00:35The celebration spans 10 days and is still cherished by all Turkic nations.
00:39This is the foundation of the country's festive spirit.
00:42In Kazakhstan, any occasion is a reason to celebrate.
00:45From welcoming the first spring tulips and blooming apple trees to massive outdoor music festivals,
00:51major e-sport tournaments and even the seasonal milking of mirrors,
00:55Kazakhstan's most unique festivals take place far from the cities.
01:00We traveled to the Jitosu region to experience an international paragliding festival
01:05that attracts pilots from around the world.
01:07At most festivals, the stage is the main attraction.
01:10But this one offers something different.
01:12The real show starts when you take off.
01:21It was always my dream to have such event in my local site because our nature is very pristine.
01:28It's very 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.
01:36They 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 remain filled with pilots, we are heading towards the city center,
01:52where the celebration continues with a massive live concert.
01:55We are doing this quite often.
01:57There are very famous festivals like this in France, in Kupikar,
02:00which is a world-caliber event in any sense.
02:02We have this in Monroe, in the United States.
02:04We have it in many, many places.
02:05It became a base where people are just gathering.
02:09This is the topic, but there are many other activities around.
02:15Many other Kazakhstan's regions also offer their all-in vibrant traditions.
02:20Far to the east, in the pristine mountains of Katon Karagai,
02:23the Altai Fest unfolds as a spectacular celebration.
02:39This unique gathering brings together Turkic cultures from near and far under the open sky,
02:45reviving ancient nomadic traditions through folk music, traditional sports and crafts.
02:50What brings thousands of people to the canyons of western Kazakhstan every August?
02:54The Akmaya Festival, a celebration of Mangistau's signature drink – fermented camel's milk Shubat.
03:13But you don't have to travel deep into the wild to find a festival.
03:17Back in the city of Almaty, there is something happening almost every weekend.
03:20But the most awaited event for the past five years is definitely OU Fest.
03:29Well, Aysoltan, 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.
03:44So I just thought maybe I should build a space where they can come and perform.
03:56Beyond the entertainment, OU Fest has become a platform for Kazakhstan's creative industries,
04:01bringing together artists, entrepreneurs and visitors from across the country.
04:06For many, this festival has become a launchpad for big opportunities.
04:10Guests who once come just to watch are now using this platform to showcase their crafts.
04:15This is our third time, and before Kazakh culture or Kazakh music was, in a way, underground,
04:23most music festivals, their headliners were guests from abroad.
04:30This year, one of Kyrgyz artists will perform, let's say,
04:35we 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.
04:47It'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.
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