Bishkek, Feb. 16, 2026. /Kabar/. On February 12, the Ton region of Issyk-Kul Oblast hosted the "Ton Childesi" (Ton frosts) cultural and tourist winter festival, dedicated to Kyrgyz winter traditions, the concept of childe (frosts), and intangible cultural heritage.
According to Sergey Glukhoverov, director of the tour company in the Kyrgyz Republic, the event featured ethnic music, a theatrical show, national games with eagle, and a gastronomic program featuring traditional winter dishes.
The festival took place at the Shatyly Panorama site and aimed to develop winter and domestic tourism, promote national culture, and support local communities.
One of the key events was the "childe" ritual, with the lighting of a fire and a blessing. Guests were also shown a theatrical performance, "The Legacy of the Cold," reflecting the Kyrgyz winter, ancestral traditions, and the meaning of the concept of "childe."
The festival included the Shatyly ethno-village, featuring yurts, traditional treats, and handicrafts. Visitors were offered hot tea, talkan-shorpo (soup), and boorsok, and there was also an exhibition and competition of warm clothing made of felt, wool, and leather, as well as photo zones featuring traditional costumes.
The cultural program included traditional winter games: yak racing, tug-of-war on snow, winter ordo, archery at targets, and traditional ice games.
The festival concluded with an evening of ethno-arts performances.
The organizers noted that "Ton Childesi" aims to unite culture, nature, and tourism, creating a vibrant new event on Kyrgyzstan's winter calendar.
