The BaiQymyz-2026 International Kumys Festival concluded at the Kazanat Hippodrome in the capital. Over 70,000 people attended the large-scale event over the two days, and guests were offered 56 tons of kumys. The festival aimed to popularize the national drink, develop horse breeding, and preserve traditional food culture.
This year, approximately 60 kumys producers from all regions of Kazakhstan, as well as from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia, participated in the festival. They presented their products and competed based on criteria such as quality, taste, preparation technology, and adherence to national traditions. The winners were selected by a panel of experts, including food specialists, technologists, ethnographers, and industry experts.
No festival participants were left without an award. Each producer was recognized in one of the competition categories. Some won in the "People's Choice" category, others in the "Medicinal Kumys" category, and still others received special prizes. Specifically, the best were determined in the following categories: "Golden Tub," "Golden Saba," "Golden Bowl," "Silver Bowl," "Silver Torsyk," "Loyalty to Kumys," "Taste of Dzhailau," "Keeper of Traditions," "Best Design," and "Master of Taste."
Winners of the main BaiQymyz competition:
Grand Prix – Akmola Region, Burabay District, "Qymyznai Qymyzy";
Gold Award – Akmola Region, Akkol District, "Agabek Ata Erekshe Qymyzy";
Silver award - Akmola region, Tselinograd district, “Saryarqanyn saf qymyzy”;
Bronze award - Ulytau region, Zhanaarka district, “Qarakush”.
Nomination “Medicinal kumys”:
Gold award - Ulytau region, Zhanaarkinsky district, “Bayannyn bal kymyzy”;
Silver award - Karaganda region, Aktogay district, “Saryterek”;
Bronze award - Karaganda region, Karkaraly district, “Sarybel”.
Nomination "People's Choice":
Gold award - Karaganda region, Karkaraly district, “Terektin tekti kymyzy”;
Silver award - Abay region, Abay district, “Sarzhal Bakytzhan”;
Bronze Award – Zhambyl Region, Merken District, "Aktogan."
The festival program was not limited to the kumys competition. Guests visited an ethnic village, learned about national sports, attended a crafts fair, and sampled traditional Kazakh cuisine. Participants also enjoyed a concert program aimed at promoting national culture and traditions.
According to the organizers, the BaiQymyz International Festival is becoming an important cultural and tourism project, contributing to the development of event tourism in Kazakhstan, supporting kumys production, and promoting national values ​​internationally. The high interest in this year's festival confirmed its relevance and significant potential for further development.