Almaty Festival 2012

The motto, Almaty, I Love You is a token of the affection people here feel towards their city.

The annual celebration of our fantastic city promises to be an occasion to remember this year, with two weeks of tempting entertainment lined up with something to suit all tastes. The whole month of September is set aside for this showcase Kazakhstan event which will see people arrive in Almaty from as far afield as Europe, as well as other places.

The event is intended to be more than just fun. While Almaty is a city of hard-working people from all backgrounds who appreciate the chance to live life to the full, it is also an opportunity for the southern capital - and largest city - of Kazakhstan to show the world that it is an international class city, rich in heritage, culture and a thriving place to live and do business.

Let’s browse the itinerary a little:

From the 1st to 16th September, the city becomes a haven for party-goers with the Apple Mix fortnight taking place in night clubs and bars across the city. Top DJs will provide the music, revelers will provide that extra energy for the dances that will go on long into many consecutive late summer nights.

The same period will see cafes and restaurants join forces to search for the best recipe for apple pie (Almaty being the birthplace of this famous fruit) with top chefs offering their expertise across the city, all yet respecting local traditions.

Stand by for the sales! The whole of September will see special offers and discounts in shopping centres as well as cafes and bars, all in honour of the city, after which on three days, from the 6th to the 8th, there will be stunning concerts on Abai Square featuring performers from many different places, interestingly including the Italian singer Son Pascal, who has won the hearts of local people with his fresh approach to music. On the same bill, opera singers, talented and renowned orchestras and musicians playing not only classical favourites but also the traditional sounds of the region, all cleverly combined to leave guests with memories that will last a lifetime.

For those inclined to a little more rhythm, why not head down to the MK Ski Jump Complex on the 8th September where there will be an open-air retro concert with both local and overseas artists on stage? Almost a week later, on the 14th, the focus will shift to the Park of the First President on Al Farabi Street. This sizeable area is expected to fill up with crowds keen to witness the talents of young poets, composers and performers as they share their new artistic creations with all.

Apple Fest promises to be a highlight of the whole month. It will be held in Republic Square on a single day, the 16th September, and during the day will host a trade fair (apples) and a competition, as well as a concert and activities to suit all ages.

On the same day, ten minutes’ drive away at the Central Stadium, how about a little light show? Pyrotechnics and multimedia, grandiose fireworks, all from different artistic genres, guaranteed to impress. And finally, during the last week of the month in parks and squares across the city will be the Almaty Puppet Carnival 2012, with miniature theatre shows and imagery to wow not only theyoungsters but also their parents.

September in Almaty is a special time; the warm days and evenings draw shorter and get cooler as Autumn comes in, but not to the extent that local people cannot make the most of the city and its many places to enjoy life. The Almaty Festival is a month in which everybody finds the time to get out and do just this, whether they attend something different every day, or simply call into a shop to pick up a bargain. The motto, Almaty, I Love You is a token of the affection people here feel towards their city, and during this month, it is easier than ever to understand exactly why.