Nauryz in the Heart of Athens: Celebrating the Kazakh New Year at the Foot of the Acropolis

Nauryz in the Heart of Athens: Celebrating the Kazakh New Year at the Foot of the Acropolis

29.03.2025 19:00:09 1711

Athens, March 18, 2025 – In the historic center of Athens, at the foot of the Acropolis, a grand celebration took place in honor of Nauryz, one of the most significant holidays of the Kazakh people, symbolizing the renewal of nature as well as the values of friendship and unity. The event was organized with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Hellenic Republic and attracted guests from around the world.

This year, the celebration of Nauryz in Greece was held under the new concept of  Nauryznama, which brings a special meaning and a fresh interpretation to the holiday. Within this framework, each day of the festivities, starting with  Körisu Künü  (Day of Reconciliation), carries a unique significance and is dedicated to a specific theme. One of the key highlights of the event was the day devoted to national attire, an important symbol of Kazakh identity and a reminder of the nation's rich cultural heritage, recognized globally.

Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Hellenic Republic, Timur Sultangozhin, who attended the celebration, emphasized that this year's format had been significantly updated. He underscored the importance of promoting national identity symbols, which play a key role in reconnecting with the country's cultural roots.

The central element of the celebration was the traditional  dastarkhan, featuring Kazakh cuisine, where guests had the opportunity to taste  baursaks  and other national delicacies prepared in accordance with ancient traditions. This added a special atmosphere and flavor to the event. Additionally, a group of Kazakhstani students performed traditional Kazakh musical pieces on the  dombra , creating a vibrant and unique festive ambiance.

The event program also included an exhibition of national Kazakh clothing, which was attended not only by Kazakhs but also by guests from Italy, the United States, Iran, China, Türkiye, and other countries. Participants had the chance to try on traditional garments and experience a connection with the ancient culture of the Great Steppe.

Furthermore, attendees received souvenir postcards dedicated to Nauryz, along with flags of Kazakhstan as a symbol of cultural exchange and friendship among nations. The warm greetings extended to the Kazakh people, along with the traditional Kazakh treats offered to guests, reaffirmed that Nauryz is a holiday that unites people across the globe.

As the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, noted in his Nauryz address:  "This holiday serves as an important reminder of our ancient roots, our rich cultural heritage, and the values that unite peoples around the world."  Nauryz continues to be a symbol of renewal and revival, strengthening friendship and cooperation between states and nations.

According to the United Nations, nearly 300 million people worldwide celebrate Nauryz. The holiday holds official status in several countries and, since 2010, has been recognized as the   International Day of Nauryz  , dedicated to preserving and promoting the culture and traditions associated with this important occasion.

 

 

Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan

in the Hellenic Republic

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-athens/press/news/details/960946?lang=kk