Astana (VNA) – General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam, accompanied by his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, on May 7 visited the Ethno-Village (Etno-Aul), a unique destination in Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also joined the visit.
At the village, the two leaders explored areas for national history and traditional crafts, and enjoyed music, nomadic cultural experiences, folk games, and hunting customs.
In the nomadic culture section, President Tokayev invited General Secretary Lam to participate in a traditional Kazakh custom of cutting a string on a one-year-old child’s feet, symbolising blessings and good luck for the baby.
Etno-Aul vividly portrays the life and culture of the Kazakh nomads. Located near the Kazanat horse racing track in the capital of Astana, the complex spans approximately 2,500 square metres and includes 30 traditional yurts designed in an ancient style, offering visitors an authentic experience of nomadic life.
Etno-Aul is not only a display area but also a hub for hosting distinctive cultural events. Visitors can participate in music festivals, craft fairs, and folk games such as archery, horseback riding, and other traditional sports, along with traditional food fairs.
A standout feature of Etno-Aul is the blend of tradition and modernity. For instance, in 2024, UNICEF established a dedicated yurt in the area to host educational and recreational activities for children, including traditional games, craft workshops, and interactive activities aimed at promoting inclusion and child protection.
With its diverse activities and programmes, Etno-Aul serves not only as a living museum of culture but also as a vibrant centre for education and entertainment./.
