The cultural space of the "Myzgymastyk Yurt" in Kyiv celebrated the Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan. "We congratulate our brotherly Kazakh people on this holiday and express our gratitude for the support provided to Ukraine during difficult times," emphasized Serhiy Nahornyak, a member of the Ukrainian parliament, head of the Ukraine-Kazakhstan Interparliamentary Friendship Group, and co-founder of the "Myzgymastyk Yurt" project.
To mark the festive event, the State Anthems of Ukraine and Kazakhstan were performed by the Kyiv Academic Wind Orchestra. Students from the Kyiv "Barvynochok" Ukrainian Dance School delighted the guests with the Kazakh "Qamajai" dance.
The "Veselat" vocal folk song ensemble sang the "Friendship Song," featuring lines in Kazakh dedicated to the friendship between the Ukrainian and Kazakh peoples. The lyrics were penned by Dmytro Lutsenko, while the music was composed by Igor Shamonik. This Ukrainian song represents one of the most renowned creative collaborations in the history of lyrical art—Lutsenko and Shamo, who are the authors of the lyrics and music of the Kyiv anthem.
"Today, we wanted to show as a gift to the Kazakh people that Ukrainians respect Kazakh culture, as a true Kazakh yurt representing Kazakh life is located in the heart of Kyiv, in Taras Shevchenko Park—our 'Myzgymastyk Yurt.' We requested Ukrainian ensembles to perform Kazakh music, songs, and dances, and I am very grateful that they happily agreed. Cultural exchange between our nations is crucial for developing relationships and connections between Ukraine and Kazakhstan. The guests of the event were amazed by the yurt, which was set up on January 14, 2023, and it enchanted them with Kazakh culture. Additionally, the guests were delighted to hear the Kazakh anthem performed live, listen to songs in the Kazakh language, and see Kazakh dances," said Serhiy Nahornyak.
To congratulate the people of Kazakhstan, groups from the homeland of the famous poet and artist Taras Shevchenko—Cherkasy Oblast—attended. Taras Shevchenko, whom Ukrainians regard as a prophet, was exiled to Kazakhstan and spent 10 years in persecution. He often depicted the Kazakh people and their way of life in his paintings and literary works. The "Zaspiv" folk song ensemble came from Zvenigorodka (where another project of the "Myzgymastyk Yurt"—the "Taraz Yurt"—was set up this year). The musicians performed several songs based on Taras Shevchenko's words.
Ensemble participants shared warm memories about the establishment of the "Taraz Yurt." It became a very attractive place for those wishing to visit sites related to Taras Shevchenko. According to the ensemble members, this cultural space has turned into an essential part of the city's culture. Additionally, the "Rodyna" folk choir from the Cherkasy region performed Ukrainian folk songs. The event guests were shown Kazakh national costumes, and everyone was offered Kazakh tea, baursaks, and sweets.