Folk festivals of amazing Turkmenistan - a unique spectacle and a lot of impressions.
Disclaimer: The following calendar is based on information received from organizers of events, local tourism boards and other sources. Changes and cancellations may occur with no prior notice due to any reasons. It is strongly advised to check dates and location before finalizing your travel plan.
Dates in RED- not confirmed / under review.
Dates in GREEN - preliminary confirmed for 2023 but advised to check before your trip.
~We cannot provide any additional information other than mentioned below~
March 21-22, 2023 | Nowruz
Nowruz is not just a meeting of spring and a bow to the awakening earth. He is the herald of mutual understanding between peoples. That is why this is one of the most significant and valuable holidays of mankind, which since 2010 has been celebrated as the International Day of Nowruz.
Experience Turkmen culture, traditional yurts, cooking of national dishes, carpet making, embroidery, singing and dancing.
Location: Ashgabad
April 30, 2023 | Turkmen Horse Festival
Turkmen Horse Festival is a public holiday in Turkmenistan held annually on the last Sunday in April. It celebrates the Akhal-Teke, a horse breed from Turkmenistan which is presented on the country's official coat of arms.
The Akhal-Teke are believed to be one of the oldest existing horse breeds. They have a reputation for their endurance, speed, and intelligence. Akhal-Teke horses are also known for their ability to withstand severe climatic conditions. Due to their shiny coat with a distinctive metallic sheen they are sometimes referred to as Golden Horses.
Akhal-Teke horses are bred in many countries, but most of them are bred in Turkmenistan. This country even has a separate agency responsible for their breeding, maintenance and training. Akhal-Teke horses are considered to be the national pride of Turkmenistan. There even is a national holiday dedicated to them.
Turkmen Horse Day (also referred to as Turkmen Racing Horse Festival) is celebrated with equestrian fairs, exhibitions, dressage and racing competition and other events..
Location: Ashgabad
August 13, 2023 | Melon Festival
Annually on the second Sunday of August, all of Turkmenistan, and especially melon growers and market traders, celebrate a national holiday - Turkmen Melon Day (Turkm. Gawun baýramy).
For several millennia, gourds have been grown on the territory of Turkmenistan, including sweet, juicy, fragrant melons. This is confirmed by archaeological finds: at the excavations of the ancient settlement of Gyaur-Kala, several melon seeds were found.
Turkmen melons to this day remain a favorite delicacy of residents of many countries, especially the former Soviet republics. And in Turkmenistan itself, they are considered part of the great heritage, national wealth, a symbol of the talent and hard work of local farmers who worthily continue the traditions of their ancestors.
Currently, more than 1.6 thousand varieties of melons are described, which are grown in different countries of the world. More than 400 of them are varieties of Turkmen melons created by local breeders. More than 200 samples of melons of local selection are cultivated on the melon plantations of the country. Most of them were restored during the years of independence by the joint efforts of scientists and folk breeders. Poets dedicate poems to the “Queen of melon” – this is how the melon is called in Turkmenistan, writers – stories and essays, artists depict it on still lifes and landscapes.
On the Day of the Turkmen melon, mass festivities are organized in the capital of the country, Ashgabat. Here you can visit an exhibition of gourds, try different varieties of melons and watermelons, as well as national dishes prepared from them.
In addition, concerts and fairs are held in different cities of the country. And the President of Turkmenistan on this day awards the best melon growers and collectors of the country - the winners of the contest with the promising name "Golden melons of the Golden Age".
October - dates TBD | International festival of craftsmen and masters of applied art
Turkmenistan will host the International Festival "Crafts and arts and crafts in the heritage of the peoples of the world." It is planned to organize exhibitions and fairs of folk arts and crafts, conduct master classes, scientific and practical conferences and other events.
Holding such an international cultural forum is of great importance in the deep study of ancient samples of decorative and applied art, the development of friendly relations with the peoples of the world.
Location: Turkmenabad
