Kazakhstan National Cuisine Festival Toi Kazan 2016 celebrated in Almaty

Festival of national cuisines of the people of Kazakhstan “ Toi Kazan 2016” is celebrated in Almaty at the Medeu Alpine skating rink. This year the Festival is timed to coincide with the celebration of the 1000-year Anniversary of Almaty and is supported by the City Mayor’s Office of Almaty and the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan.

The event was visited by Mayor of Almaty Bauyrzhan Baybek, Vice-President of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan Eraly Tugzhanov, Mayor of the city of Taldykorgan Bagdat Karasaev, representatives of ethnocultural associations, and residents and guests of the city. At the event, everyone could taste pilaf for free.

During the event, B.Baybek noted that the Festival " Toi Kazan2016" became the symbol of the unity of the people in all the diversity of cultures and ethnicities of our Motherland.

"Our people have always expressed hospitality." Toi Kazan" Festival is a celebration of unity, friendship and harmony. I am sure that such holidays should be supported. There are more than 2 thousand cafes and restaurants in Almaty, which does not only allow citizens and tourists enjoy the different national dishes, but it also provides more than 50 thousand jobs”, the City Mayor said.

The rich cultural, educational and entertainment program of the Festival will be celebrated from 11.00 am to 9.00 pm.

According to the program of the Festival, each thematic cluster has a separate area; the key ones are the Alley of restaurants, an ethno-village, and the "Kìtapfest" Book Festival. In addition, one can buy various handicrafts in the "City of Masters". "Almaty in the stream of time” exhibition offers a fascinating insight into the history of the city. The sports and children’s playgrounds invite the visitors to become active participants of various competitions, games and entertaining and informative contests.

There are performances of representatives of cultural centres of 11 ethnicities of Kazakhstan on the main stage of the Festival, as well as a grand non-stop concert of Kazakh music stars and opera singers.

Also, it is the first time when the vocal contest " Toi Kazandauysy" is organized on the Festival. 10 finalists selected from 43 contestants will have a chance to appear on the stage of the legendary high-alt itude Medeu sports complex.

One of the main events of gastronomic festival is a competition for the most delicious besparmak from the best chefs in the city.