The Universe of Nomads: Living Heritage International Ethnic and Cultural Festival will take place from 1 to 6 September 2026 in Kyrgyzstan. It will be a key part of the cultural programme of the sixth World Nomad Games, one of the largest international projects aimed at preserving and promoting the intangible cultural heritage of nomadic peoples.
For the first time, the sporting programme will be accompanied by an ethnocultural festival. Its concept is based on a synthesis of traditional heritage and contemporary artistic practices. The festival views cultural heritage as a living and continuously evolving process in which the memory of the past serves as a source of creative energy for the present and helps shape the future.
The programme includes four key competition projects:
- Ethnic Fashion: a showcase of collections by leading designers from Kyrgyzstan, the CIS and other countries, presenting contemporary interpretations of traditional dress at the intersection of ethnic aesthetics and modern fashion.
- Ethnic Dance: a competition platform for choreographic groups whose performances are based on traditional movements and rhythms.
- Nomad Stars: a duet competition featuring ethnic songs and contemporary interpretations of folk songs.
- Crafts Competition: an exhibition platform showcasing unique works of applied art, where participants are assessed on their mastery of traditional techniques and their preservation of authentic methods for producing household and decorative items.
The festival is organised by the Umut Art Cinema Public Culture Fund with the support of the CIS Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation.