The festive event "Large-scale Maslenitsa - 2026" was organized at the Dostyk House in Shymkent. The traditional Slavic holiday turned into an educational event that brought together city residents and representatives of ethnocultural associations.
The event was attended by Toktar Amirkulov, Deputy Head of the Public Agreement Institution, Natalia Romanova, Chairwoman of the Shymkent City Slavic Ethnocultural Association, as well as leaders and members of 16 ethnocultural associations under the city's Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, and city residents.
Speaking at the festive gathering, Toktar Amirkulov congratulated the audience on the holiday of Maslenitsa, noting that this holiday is a symbol of peace and unity, mutual forgiveness and renewal. He also noted that the Constitution guarantees equal rights and freedoms for representatives of all ethnic groups in the country, and the main pillar of harmony and stability in society is the rule of law.
"Our main value is unity and mutual respect. The Constitution enshrines these values and protects the rights of every citizen. Therefore, such cultural events strengthen social harmony," he said.
As part of the festive program, a concert program was presented under the auspices of the city Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, the Slavic ethnocultural association and the city Russian drama theater. The best soloists and creative teams of the city performed, and small performances were staged with the participation of theater artists. In addition, an exhibition of applied art products and an exhibition-fair of culinary products were organized.
It is worth noting that Maslenitsa is a traditional Slavic holiday that marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. During the holiday, people forget their grievances and make peace, bake pancakes, which are a symbol of the sun, sing, dance, and play various national games.
The celebration has become an important platform for strengthening interethnic harmony in the city and promoting cultural diversity.