On March 22, 2025, the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan, named the “2025 Turkic World Capital of Culture” by TÜRKSOY, hosted a record-breaking Nevruz event. A total of 5,000 participants dressed in traditional Kazakh clothing came together on the shores of the Caspian Sea to set a Guinness World Record for the “Largest Gathering of People in Kazakh National Dress.”

The event, titled “Best Fest Nevruz,” saw more than 5,500 registered attendees, including cultural experts, representatives of ethnic groups, and visitors from across Kazakhstan. Official Guinness World Records representatives verified the count and confirmed the new record, awarding a special certificate to mark the occasion.

Mangystau Governor Nurdaulet Kilibay highlighted the importance of the achievement in promoting Kazakh heritage on a global scale and congratulated the nation for celebrating Nevruz with such a historic event.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, speaking at the 4th National Congress in Burabay, noted the significance of Nevruz in reinforcing Kazakh national identity. Under his initiative, Nevruz celebrations were extended into a ten-day festival starting with Amal on March 14.

Richard Stenning, an official from Guinness World Records, presented the certificate and praised the event’s cultural value, calling it a remarkable tribute to Kazakh traditions.

The festivities in Aktau included traditional yurts, craft exhibitions, folk sports, national dishes, poetry readings, and performances, culminating in a gala concert by famous Kazakh pop artists.