Kazakhstan celebrated People’s Unity day. The celebrations featured theatrical performances, concerts, festivals. The main events of Almaty city took place in square ‘Astana’. National songs of all ethnic groups living in Kazakhstan could be heard here. An unusual exhibition was opened to mark the Day of Unity. 34 ethnic platforms were represented in so called ‘People’s town’. Different ethnic groups organized festivities with their national dances, songs and cuisine. A huge dastarkhan was set at the center of the exhibition with different national dishes. There were also colored eggs and Easter cakes as Unity Day coincided with the celebration of Easter.

Shymkent residents celebrated this day with a festive concert and an exhibition of folk art, which was organized by representatives of ethno-cultural associations. Music of the Kazakh steppes was performed by amateur talent groups in different languages such as Tatar, Uzbek, Turkish, Russian, Kazakh and other. All this gave the holiday a special atmosphere.

Olga STARIKOVA, REPRESENTATIVE, GREEK ETHNOCULTURAL CENTER:

My dear compatriots! I congratulate you on the bright holiday of Unity Day of Kazakhstan people! I wish you peace, goodness and love!

In Taldykorgan, young people organized a flash mob for those who love the national dance "Kara zhorga." Congratulating people on the holiday, the region’s Mayor Amandyk Batalov said that a country’s most important asset is its people and when they are united and friendly. Exhibitions of artists and artisans, as well as sporting events such as wrestling, arm wrestling, chess and togyzkumalak were held as part of celebrations. Finally, fountains and amusement rides were launched to please children.

Ivan LAGAI, MEMBER, ASSOCIATION OF KOREANS IN KAZAKHSTAN:

We live here in peace and harmony. I think it is the most important thing. And I am really glad that such holiday of unity of the people was declared and I would like to warmly congratulate everyone.

In Uralsk, representatives of ethno-cultural associations set up a dastarkhan in front of the regional Kazakh Drama Theatre to mark Day of Unity. Everyone could taste the national dishes of Korean, Uighur, Tatar, and Ukrainian cuisine. Meanwhile, holiday season was officially opened in the city park. City Folk Orchestra was performing for the visitors. And asphalt drawing competition was organized for children. Visitors could compete in powerlifting and tug of war, and buy handicrafts.

Islam KHASSIEV, RESIDENT OF URALSK:

More than 130 nationalities live in Kazakhstan in peace and harmony thanks to our joint efforts and our today's holiday. I wish you all peace, happiness, prosperity and success.

Photo: vechastana.kz