Astana welcomed around 40,000 visitors on the opening day of the BaiQymyz-2026 International Gastronomy Festival, where guests sampled 200,000 liters of kumis and one ton of shubat while celebrating Kazakhstan's rich nomadic heritage.

Held at the Kazanat Hippodrome, the festival brought together more than 60 kumis producers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia's Sakha (Yakutia) Republic, offering visitors the chance to taste a wide variety of the traditional fermented mare's milk, The Caspian Post reports via Zakon.kz.

According to the Astana city administration, the event also featured masterclasses on preparing traditional Kazakh dishes, exhibitions of folk crafts, and immersive cultural experiences.

One of the festival's highlights was the international kumis competition, alongside traditional equestrian sports, including kokpar, baige, audaryspak, kyz kuu, and archery. Visitors also enjoyed a horse parade and spectacular riding demonstrations.

The main stage hosted performances by leading Kazakh singers and cultural groups, while international tourists joined local residents to experience Kazakhstan's cuisine, traditions, and hospitality.

The festival continues on July 12, with more tastings, cultural performances, horseback shows, sporting events, family entertainment, and concerts by popular artists scheduled throughout the day.