International ethnic festival "Uly dala rukhy" started in the vicinity of Almaty.

The Ist International Festival "Uly dala rukhy" - "The spirit of the great steppe" started in the picturesque foothills of the Alatau Mountains in the vicinity of Almaty.

The event is dedicated to the 25-th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the 1000-year Anniversary of the city of Almaty; it gathered participants and guests from 10 countries, such as Hungary, Holland, Germany, Turkey, China, Kyrgyzstan, etc. The Festival was visited by City Mayor Bauyrzhan Baybek.

The area near the Ile-Alatau National Park is divided into thematic sectors. In these two days of the Festival the visitors will have chance to see the life of nomads and their household devices, to get acquainted with the historically recreated traditions and rituals associated with all spheres of life of the Kazakh people, to learn secrets of ancient artisans and to try working with felt, leather, silver, and clay by ancient technologies. One can also admire the skills of professional berkutchi (hunters riding with a golden eagle), fancy riding of horsemen and kokparists, cheer on the archers and warriors at the contests, play the national games, enjoy national dishes and learn the secrets of their cooking.

The Festival gives an exceptional opportunity for all those who wish to get acquainted with the rich heritage of the Kazakhs and other Turkic peoples, revealing previously unknown sports, adventure and ethno-tourism in the country.

It is worth noting that the costumes of the musicians of the Festival, as well as armor and weapons of the warriors and other paraphernalia were recreated according to the historic materials.