Bishkek, June 1, 2026 /Kabar/. On May 31, the opening of the VI International Children's Folklore Festival "Nariste" took place in Bishkek, bringing together young talents from around the world on a single cultural platform.
The opening ceremony was attended by Bishkek Mayor Aibek Dzhunushaliev, Kyrgyz Children's Rights Commissioner Asel Chynbaeva, President of the International Council of Organizations of Folklore and Traditional Arts Festivals (CIOFF) Christian Hidalgo-Mazzeini, as well as distinguished guests, representatives of creative groups, and the public.
Aibek Dzhunushaliev noted the important role of cultural exchange in strengthening friendship between peoples and emphasized the special mission of children as guardians of traditions and future builders of peace.
"It is a great honor for us to once again welcome friends from around the world to Bishkek. We are sincerely delighted to welcome to Kyrgyzstan creative groups, teachers, and young talents who have come here to share the culture of their people, their art, and their inspiration. The festival's special value lies in the fact that its main characters are children. Through music, dance, folk instruments, crafts, and creativity, they learn to respect their own history and discover the richness of other cultures. In the modern world, culture remains one of the most reliable bridges between nations, and children become the best ambassadors of peace, friendship, and mutual respect," the mayor emphasized.
This year, the festival participants included representatives from Belarus, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Turkey, Romania, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Over the years, the festival's geography has expanded significantly, bringing together participants from more than 20 countries.
The festival program includes concerts by folk dance and instrumental groups, master classes, international conferences, exhibitions of folk arts and crafts, presentations of cultural projects, and tours of Bishkek's historical and cultural sites. The Nariste Festival is an important international platform for preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the world's peoples, developing intercultural dialogue, and supporting children's creativity.
The department also noted that as part of the festival, a gala concert featuring festival creative groups and Moscow artists will be held on June 1 at 5:00 PM in Ala-Too Square. The festive program will conclude with a children's disco dedicated to International Children's Day.