This Wednesday, May 1, Kazakhstan celebrates Unity Day, highlighting the diverse cultures residing in the country. As is customary, there is a slew of events to mark the occasion. In Astana, locals can look forward to enjoying baursaks at various festivities held in main squares, listening to local bands at a charity guitar evening, or attending a classic drama play by the renowned Kyrgyz writer, Chyngyz Aitmatov.
In Almaty, the holiday will be filled with music, as the Southern Capital will host a series of concerts featuring artists from the Y2K period to the latest wave in Kazakh music, such as Samrattama, Yenlik, and Hey Monroe. But that's not all—Almaty will also be a hub for craftsmen, cooks, and traditional clothes designers from all over, who will showcase their skills and talents at all the city’s main squares.
Check out what Astana and Almaty have to offer for celebrating May 1st.
Astana
It will be a rainy day this holiday, so a couple of indoor activities would go a long way to lift spirits. The local creative space, Sanyraq, is hosting a charity guitar evening at Nu Shoty bar (Kabanbay Batyr Avenue 11), featuring local talent. At 7 PM, the stage will showcase Mikota, who once demonstrated her vocal skills on The Voice of Kazakhstan, along with local indie rock band Rusty Headz and Nevesom. Entry tickets are ₸5,000 or $11.32, with all proceeds donated to volunteer and charitable funds.
As for the outdoors, the Kalamgerler Alleysy (Writers' Alley) on Abay Avenue will be the center of attraction, offering public poetry readings in various languages, a drawing competition using asphalt as canvas, and a book exhibition. Additionally, volunteers throughout the city will be providing freshly made baursak to all who need a small pick-me-up.
And for those who long for a compelling drama, the troupe at the Kalikke Theater (Kalibek Kuanyshbayev Street 8/1) has prepared a treat—an adaptation of To Have and To Lose by Chyngyz Aitmatov. The play tells the story of a young couple who dive into a whirlwind romance only to realize they are strangers to each other. The performance begins at 7 PM, and tickets cost between ₸2,500 ($5.66) and ₸3,000 ($6.79).
Almaty
Almaty Theater at Al Farabi Avenue 30, will host ÜİIM charity concert, commemorating “reunion under one shanyrak (top of the yurt) using the power of music.” The artist roster includes Marhaba Sabi, Jeltoksan, Arshat, dudeontheguitar, Samrattama, Alpha, Orynkhan, Steppe Sons, Yenlik, and Rauana. The event starts at 7 PM with tickets starting at ₸13,000 ($29.36).
If you are in the Nauryzbay district tomorrow, go to the amphitheater in Shugyla 347 microdistrict right at 11 AM to see a concert program titled "We Are United" (Бірлігіміз жарасқан), and try something new at an exhibition of national food, clothes, and other products. The city administration promises products of Kazakh, Uyghur, Arab, Azerbaijani, Ukrainian, Russian, Indian, Tatar, Uzbek, Chinese, Korean and Turkish cultures at the exhibition.
In the Turksib district, at Arbat, at 10 AM artistic groups from Houses of Schoolchildren will present their concert program to entertain the public. The event will go with an exhibition by ethnocultural associations.
In the Auezov district at 11 AM, Saryarka Park will host an ethnocultural exhibition and sale of artisan works. Arbat Square of Almaly district will host another crafts fair at 10 AM followed by a music concert at noon. The proceeds from the events will go toward flood relief in the affected regions.
From 6 PM to 9 PM, the public will get a chance to enjoy a Maxi Fest charity concert on Abay Square. The audience will see performances by Kazakh pop stars such Aikyn, Qanay, Ayree, KeshYOU band, Ilhan Yksan, ALPHA band, and other artists.
