Uzbekistan’s Khiva Bursts with Flavor and Culture at “Melon Festival – 2025”

Uzbekistan’s historic city of Khiva has come alive with the “Melon Festival - 2025”, a dynamic gastronomic and cultural event organized by the Tourism Committee and the Khorezm Regional Administration.

The festival celebrated the rich traditions of melon cultivation, local crafts, and tourism, quickly becoming a major highlight of the region’s cultural calendar, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Held at two key locations-the ancient Ichon-Qala complex and the modern Arda Khiva Tourist Complex-the festival filled the air with the sweet scent of melons, accompanied by folk music, theatrical performances, and bustling market stalls.

Nineteen exhibition booths featured representatives from Khorezm’s districts, leading farms, and enterprises, showcasing dozens of melon varieties along with innovative products and farming technologies. Top participants received awards recognizing their excellence.

Guests enjoyed sampling a wide range of melons, engaging directly with producers, and discovering the area’s deep agricultural heritage.

The festival’s cultural program was equally rich, including folk ensemble performances, masterclasses on traditional Uzbek cuisine, craft markets, and folk games. Traditional sports competitions and outdoor cooking demonstrations were among the event’s most popular attractions.

The celebration culminated in lively concerts headlined by renowned Uzbek and international artists such as DJ Endigo, legendary Tohir Sadikov, and popular singer JONY.

Overall, the Melon Festival showcased the tourism and agricultural potential of Khorezm, creating a joyful atmosphere that drew both local residents and tourists from around the world.