Shubat-Mojito, Camels and Drones: The First “Aq Maya Fest” Held in Mangystau
Photo: Akimat of Mangystau region
The first festival dedicated to shubat was held in Mangystau, with the drink as the main attraction. Around 15,000 guests gathered at the foot of Airaqty on August 16 to try the famous beverage, from tourists from France and England to local residents, Orda.kz reports.
At the Shubat Bar, visitors sampled the classic version of the drink, as well as “shubat-mojito” and even “White Steppe with ice.”
At the “Aq Maya Lab,” guests were shown the entire process, from fermentation to tasting. Anyone could try their hand at mixing the vat themselves and learn why shubat is considered an elixir of health.
The festival offered much more than tastings.
In the “Steppe Games” zone, participants tested their strength and accuracy in traditional games such as asyq (a traditional Kazakh game played with sheep ankle bones, tossed or flicked like marbles), archery, and weight lifting.
The Art-Yurta hosted lectures and stand-up performances on culture, traditions, and healthy eating. Farmers also shared their secrets on how to properly milk a camel.
In the evening, performers including Yerke Yesmakhan, Raim, Luina, Amre, and Yenlik entertained the crowd, and the celebration concluded with a large-scale drone show.
More than 300 drones lit up the sky, forming the flag of Kazakhstan, landscapes of Mangystau, and various national ornaments.
At the end of the festival, about a hundred volunteers and local residents cleaned the entire area.
The event was colorful, lively — and environmentally friendly.
Meanwhile, in the Atyrau region near the village of Tengiz, the international LOTUS FEST is still underway. It began in July and will run until August 26, giving visitors time to see the unique flowers.
But organizers remind guests that the lotus is listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Book. Picking the flowers carries a fine of 23,500 tenge and can result in restrictions or even imprisonment for up to three years.
Original Author: Natalia Ovchinnikova
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