Nauryz is Celebrated in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, March 30, 2025 – The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Ethiopia hosted a solemn event to celebrate the International Day of Nauryz, gathering representatives from Ethiopian government bodies, the diplomatic corps, the business community, the Friends’ Club, and Kazakh citizens residing in Ethiopia.

Guests were presented with a film revealing the deep meaning and traditions of Nauryz, and a concert was organized featuring melodious folk songs, lively dances, and kui on the dombra. Immortal kui by the great Kazakh composer Nurgisa Tlendiev, “Akku” and “Bes Zhorga,” which sounded like a hymn to the eternal beauty of the steppes and the grandeur of the Kazakh soul, aroused particular interest.

In his speech, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Ethiopia, Barlybay Sadykov, familiarized the guests with the history and concept of celebrating Nauryz, noting its importance in terms of strengthening harmony and unity in society, developing intercultural dialogue, promoting peace and security, and advancing the international environmental agenda. The Ambassador emphasized that since last year, in accordance with the Nauryznama concept, Nauryz has been celebrated for ten days, each filled with a special meaning.

Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office in Addis Ababa and UNESCO Representative to Ethiopia, Rita Bissounauth, emphasized that in 2009, Nauryz was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and noted that Nauryz is not just a holiday, but a symbol of rebirth and renewal, carrying deep cultural values, and that Kazakhstan contributes to the popularization and preservation of this heritage.

The “Kazakh Corner,” designed in the form of a yurt, decorated with national ornaments, musical instruments, and household items, evoked particular admiration among the guests. The culmination of the evening was the tasting of exquisite Kazakh cuisine, allowing guests to experience the richness of Kazakhstan’s culinary traditions. Guests enjoyed traditional Kazakh dishes: kazy, nauryz kozhe, baursaks, kuirdak, and others.

Nauryz left an indelible impression on all those present, sparking genuine interest in the culture and traditions of Kazakhstan.