Festivals in Kyrgyzstan

Festivals

Season or date: March 21

Turkic-Persian New Year celebrating the spring equinox. Songs and horse competitions are held across the country.

Season or date: 1st of Shawwal (Islamic calendar)

Islamic festival marking the end of fasting month. Families gather for feasts and visit graves.

Season or date: 10th of Dhul-Hijjah (Islamic calendar)

Festival of Sacrifice. Sheep are slaughtered and the meat is shared with the poor.

Season or date: August 31

National birthday with military parades and concerts in Bishkek's central square.

Season or date: Biennial August–September

International competition featuring traditional horseback riding, falconry, and ethnic wrestling from nomadic cultures.

Season or date: April

The largest jazz event in Central Asia with artists from over 20 countries.

Season or date: February

Snow festival enjoying skiing, snowboarding, and ethnic cuisine.

Season or date: June

Celebration of the harvest of some of the world's most fragrant apricots with a market and folk dances.

Season or date: September

Harvest and pilgrimage festival held in the world's largest walnut forest.

Season or date: July

International fair promoting tourism and handicrafts by the lakeside.