From the morning, the residents of the metropolis gathered in the square in front of the Palace of the Republic to congratulate each other on the holiday and enjoy a concert featuring creative teams of ethnocultural associations of Kazakhstan and other countries.
The holiday began with an award ceremony for volunteers, active citizens, and cultural figures who participated in the collection and delivery of humanitarian aid and assisted those affected by floods. Their contributions were recognized as part of the nationwide campaign "Bereke – bіrlіkte."
The festive events continued with performances by popular creative teams and ethnocultural associations.
Participating in the festive concert were creative teams of ethnocultural associations such as the ensemble "Agugai," the group "Dervishes," Angelika Shagarova, the ensemble "Nairi," the ensemble of Abbos Kasimov ABBOS (Uzbekistan), Sitora Nazarova, the ensemble "Kazan Nurlary" (Tatarstan), Rumi and Yanis, the ensemble of Caucasian dances "Bahar," the duo "Elaman" (Kyrgyzstan), Roman Kim, the ensemble "Nam Son," and the group "MuzArt."
Simultaneously with the concert, a charity fair and gastronomic festival unfolded in front of the Palace of the Republic. Over 10 well-known restaurants presented national dishes from Kazakh, Turkish, Uzbek, Korean, German, Chinese, Georgian, Russian, Armenian, and Uyghur cuisines. The proceeds will be donated to the corporate fund "Demeu Kazakhstan qory" to aid in the elimination of flood consequences.
At 18:00 in Abay Square, a charity concert will be organized featuring stars of the Kazakhstani pop scene: Aikyn, Qanay, Ayree, the group KeshYOU, Ilkhan Yksan, Bekzat Kunanbai, Sisitai, the group "Asia," Artur Davletyarov, Aigerim Kalaubaeva, Ulangasyr Kami, and the group ALPHA.
Denis Olsen teaches finance at the university. He came from the USA, Oregon state, and has been living in Almaty for a year.
"I specifically came to this holiday. It's nice to see that in Kazakhstan, all nationalities live in unity. The concert itself is very cool! Happy holiday, Kazakhstanis," Olsen said.
Metropolis resident Berik Sandibaev believes that preserving the unity and friendship of nations is important.
"This is a big holiday, a holiday of warmth and friendship. I have many friends of different nationalities. We are all like one big family. For Kazakhstanis, it is important to maintain this unity and friendship of nations. Let peace and tranquility always reign in Kazakhstan," Sandibaev emphasized.
Another Almaty resident, Aidana Baymuldinova, shared that she and her friends have a tradition of celebrating May 1st in the square and congratulating each other.
"Kazakhstan has united hundreds of nationalities living in harmony. For me, May 1st is a big holiday. It has become a tradition for me and my friends to gather in the square on this day and congratulate each other," Baymuldinova said.
Alina Kan wished peace and mutual respect to the people of Kazakhstan.
"First and foremost, I want to congratulate all the people of Kazakhstan and thank everyone for valuing and preserving peace and mutual respect," Kan expressed.
Ethnic Mozambican, born in Kazakhstan, Chris Black, shared that he feels like a Kazakh.
"My mother is Kazakh, my father is Mozambican. I grew up in Kazakh traditions and upbringing. I feel like a Kazakh. This country is comfortable for all nationalities. Happy holiday, compatriots!" Black stated.
