Astana's Nauryz Festival Merges Kazakh Traditions with Futuristic Tech

A vibrant Nauryz festival has begun at Astana's International Exhibition Center EXPO, blending Kazakh traditions with cutting-edge technology. Running from March 21 to 23, the event offers visitors a mix of cultural celebrations, interactive exhibits, and modern innovations to mark the spring holiday.

The festival opens with a striking LED tunnel at the entrance, wrapping guests in a 360-degree display of dynamic video projections. Inside, a massive LED screen presents an AI-generated vision of a traditional Kazakh aul, capturing the essence of spring renewal and Nauryz.

The programme includes a diverse lineup of attractions. The holographic exhibition Zheti Kazakh brings lifelike images to motion on specialised screens. Meanwhile, the AI Sport zone reimagines classic Kazakh games like kazaksha kuresi (wrestling) and asyq atu (bone-throwing) through digital adaptations.

For book lovers, the Nauryz Kitap Book Fair gathers Kazakhstan's top publishers, showcasing new releases, rare editions, and opportunities to meet local authors. A marketplace features products from 50 leading local producers, while open-air gastronomic hubs serve traditional dishes. Families can explore a dedicated children's art space with hands-on activities, and live performances by Kazakh artists fill the venue with music and dance.

The festival runs for three days, with different timings each day. Organisers have combined modern technology with age-old traditions to create an immersive experience. As of March 22, 2026, no official figures have been released on international visitor attendance.