Festivals and cultural events in Kyrgyzstan - 2008

Info about Kyrgyz festivals and culture events.

Horse games – Horses along with hunting dogs have always played a huge role in the daily life of the Kyrgyz. They are thought of not only as thoroughbred racers but also as true assistants in the daily life of the household. The majority of the rural population in the country even today follow a semi-nomadic way of life. Almost everyone to a man is able to ride a horse and the numerous types of horse games that have developed over the course of time give a fine opportunity for them to show their skills dexterity and fast reactions.

Traditional horse games which will be featured include: Ulak Tartysh – which involves two teams of riders “battling” over a goat's carcass; Kyz Kuumai – where a horseman should catch a horsewoman so that he can receive a kiss as his prize; and Kurosh – wrestling on horseback. In addition there are such games as Tyiyn Enmei – where the rider tries to pick up a coin from the ground at full gallop; At Chabysh – straight forward races and many others. All of these games have arisen as a result of centuries-old traditions and they reflect the vital importance to the Kyrgyz of riding in past times.

The dates fell outside the normal “tourist season” … mainly because it was not intended as a festival for tourists but rather as a festival for local people. Many of the participants and horses are working people who have been in the mountains tending flock in one of the mountain jailoos throughout the summer. When the flocks are brought back down to the lower meadows then serious training begins for the event.

National Applied Arts Festival; Cuisine and Folklore; Kyrgyz Kochi Festival – including activities such as preparation and tasting of traditional dishes of different nationalities, accompanied by other activities - a competition between local folk groups; erecting a yurt in and exhibitions of national crafts..

Felt Festival – Ancient traditions and customs; the variety of flora and fauna; scenes taken from everyday life and historical events – are all reflected in traditional national crafts. Kyrgyzstan is renowned for high-quality products made from felt. The peak of this art form is generally considered to be the bozoi (or yurta – the round felt dwellings used by nomads down through the centuries).

Birds of Prey Festival – Devoted to golden eagles and falcons which are revered by the Kyrgyz. Since Ancient times hunters have caught young chicks and taken them home to bring them up and train them to hunt animals. In past times one bird of prey could support a small settlement. Hence a Golden Eagle or a falcon were highly esteemed and were frequently treated as members of the family. People practiced in the art of training birds of prey are called “Berkutchi” and are treated with great respect.

Annual “Clean up at Son Kul” – In addition to playing a role in helping to preserve the pristine beauty of one of Kyrgyzstan's beauty spots ... you can watch or join in the many cultural activities and traditional games ( Arkan , Tartmai , Joluk , Tastamai …), enjoy a folklore show and song contest, see a variety of national crafts – and even go horse riding.