This weekend, the Kymyz Gastrofestival is set to take place in Astana.
## Announcing the BaiQymyz - Baptalgan Kymyz Gastrofestival: A Celebration of Tradition and Health
Set to take place on July 19-20, 2025, at the Kazanat Hippodrome in Astana, Kazakhstan, the BaiQymyz - baptalgan kymyz gastrofestival marks a significant milestone in celebrating Kazakhstan's rich culinary heritage. This first-of-its-kind national cuisine festival is dedicated entirely to kymyz, a traditional Kazakh drink made from fermented mare's milk.
The event promises a fascinating blend of cultural exploration, scientific discovery, and gastronomic delight. Around 50 kymyz producers from across Kazakhstan will participate, showcasing their products and competing for the title of "Best Kymyz" with a prize fund of 45 million tenge (approx. $85,757).
In addition to the kymyz showcase, the festival will host an international scientific-practical conference titled "Mare’s Milk and Kymyz – The Basis of Health and Longevity of Nomads." This conference aims to gather experts from Kazakhstan and abroad, including gastroenterologists, nutritionists, microbiologists, ethnographers, and kymyz producers. The goal is to delve into the health benefits, medicinal uses, and nutritional properties of kymyz, positioning it as both a cultural and health product.
Visitors can look forward to a variety of cultural programming, including tastings, exhibitions of horse breeds, and ethno-cultural performances. These elements highlight the deep connection between Kazakh nomadic traditions and kymyz production.
Organisers hope to develop the BaiQymyz - baptalgan kymyz gastrofestival into a globally recognised event, drawing parallels to events like Oktoberfest. This ambition is driven by a desire to boost cultural tourism and put Kazakh traditions on the world stage.
The BaiQymyz - baptalgan kymyz gastrofestival is more than just a celebration of a traditional drink; it is a testament to Kazakhstan's cultural heritage and a step towards promoting a better understanding of its unique culinary traditions on a global scale.
### Key Aspects of the BaiQymyz Festival
| Aspect | Details | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Focus | Kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) | | Location | Kazanat Hippodrome, Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan | | Dates | July 19–20, 2025 | | Participants | 50+ kymyz producers, international experts, horse breeders | | Main Activities | Tastings, competitions, scientific conference, horse exhibitions, cultural performances | | Prize Fund | 45 million tenge (~$85,757) for Best Kymyz | | Goals | Revive tradition, promote health benefits, establish global cultural brand |
- Attendees of the BaiQymyz - Baptalgan Kymyz Gastrofestival can expect an enriching journey that combines travel, cultural exploration, and food-and-drink experiences, as they delve into the unique aspects of Kazakhstan's traditional lifestyle.
- The celebration not only offers a chance to savor different types of kymyz showcased by local producers, but also provides opportunities for cultural-travel, with ethno-cultural performances, horse breed exhibitions, and tastings, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich nomadic traditions of Kazakhstan.
