Kazakh culture in the centre of Madrid: concerts in honour of Astana Day, 180th anniversary of Abay and Dombyra Day

Madrid, July 11-12, 2025 – Cultural events dedicated to Astana Day, 180th anniversary of the great kazakh poet and thinker Abay Qunanbayuly and Dombyra Day were held with great success.

The festive concerts were organised by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Spain with the assistance of the Otandastar Foundation and the support of the capital's municipalities of Arganzuela and Hortaleza in Madrid's landmark locations.

The programme included performances by the Shamshi Qaldayaqov Turkestan Philharmonic, the Tumar folklore ensemble, the Farab dance ensemble and the Arqaiym neo-ethno folk group, as well as an ethnic fashion show with elements of national costume by the Ak Kerbez Designers' Union.

During the events, the Spanish audience was able to touch the rich cultural heritage of Kazakhstan through music, dance and stage art with its exquisite combination of throat singing, ritual percussion and string instruments such as the dombyra and qobyz, transporting the audience to the vast horizons of the Great Steppe.

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Spain, Danat Musayev, made a welcoming speech, emphasising the importance of cultural diplomacy in light of the Born Bold campaign. He noted the achievements of the country in the field of economic development, which together with large-scale political reforms in recent years strengthen the role of Kazakhstan as a middle power. Special attention was paid to the further development of strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Spain.

The concerts aroused wide interest among local audiences, representatives of the diplomatic corps, state and public figures, as well as representatives of the Kazakh diaspora and guests from various countries. The festive evenings were a significant contribution to promoting Kazakh culture abroad and strengthening bilateral humanitarian ties.