OPPO announces its continued partnership with Discovery Channel for the second edition of Culture in a Shot. This global initiative brings the world's diverse cultures to life through OPPO's imaging technology. Under the theme Celebrate the Moment, this year's journey captures the wonder and timeless spirit of iconic festivals worldwide.

Across the globe, festivals unite people in shared moments of joy, tradition, and celebration. More than just spectacles, these events represent the heartbeat of cultures, offering a grand expression of history, identity, and togetherness. With the journey starting from Kazakhstan, OPPO and Discovery Channel document a celebration where history and fantasy intertwine—the legendary Nauryz holiday.

Almaty Comes Alive: Welcome Spring with Nauryz

In Kazakhstan, the arrival of spring on March 21st is celebrated with Nauryz, a holiday rooted in nature's renewal that predates the arrival of Islam in the region. It also symbolizes prosperity, harmony, and unity-a time when families and friends come together to embrace hope and new beginnings.

During Nauryz, the city becomes truly spectacular. The streets come alive with people in elaborate costumes, celebrating with music, dance, and open-air performances. A key part of the festival is the sharing of traditional meals, symbolizing abundance and unity. Families gather to enjoy dishes like kumys, a fermented horse milk drink, and nauryz-kozhe, a special dish prepared with seven meaningful ingredients.

Almaty Nauryz celebration, shot on OPPO A5 Pro

Seven holds special significance in Nauryz. The seven ingredients of nauryz-kozhe are combined and poured into seven bowls which are placed in front of respected older men called aksakals. During Nauryz, each person should invite seven guests to his home and visit seven other houses in turn.

People dancing in the square in the costumes, shot on OPPO A5 Pro

Today, many Kazakhs choose traditional Kazakh clothing more for its beauty and cultural identity - a way to honour the enduring Kazakh national spirit. With OPPO AI Zoom, photographers can capture every exquisite detail of these garments—from intricate embroidery to delicate accessories—preserving the beauty of Nauryz in stunning clarity.

OPPO AI Zoom with 2x telephoto lens, shot on OPPO Reno 13

OPPO AI Zoom with 2x telephoto lens, shot on OPPO Reno 13

The taste of tradition: Symbolism Behind the Nauryz Food

On the eve of the festival, all vessels in the house would be filled with milk, airan (plain yogurt), grain, and spring water because it meant that people would have a lot of milk, good yield and plenty of rain during the coming year.

The Kazakhs attached special importance to the number of seven during the Nauryz celebrations because it symbolized the seven days of the week, which was a time unit of universal eternity. Seven bowls with the Nauryz-kozhe drink (made from seven sorts of seven types of herbs) would be put in front of the aksakals (respectable old people). The meals were composed of seven components, usually meat (Besh-barmak) with salt, fat, onions, kaze, butte (sarymay), wheat, (kurt) and irimshik (a kind of cottage cheese).

Nauryz Today: A celebration of Kazakhstan's timeless traditions

During Nauryz, city squares become cultural hubs filled with yurts, performances, and exhibitions showcasing Kazakhstan's rich traditions.

Here one can learn about the culture and lifestyle of nomads and find people wearing beautiful national clothes, listening to Kazakh songs, and playing musical instruments.In holiday exhibitions and fairs, traditional gifts and souvenirs are sold.

A highlight of the festivities is the Altybakan, a beautifully decorated swing that symbolizes youth, joy, and friendship. Young people gather around to sing, play traditional games, and enjoy the festival's lively spirit. The Altybakan is not only a source of entertainment but also a cherished cultural symbol of unity and celebration.

Equestrian (horse) performances, an integral part of Kazakh heritage, add to the grandeur of Nauryz. These performances begin with a grand parade of riders, followed by a showcase of various equestrian skills and traditional competitions. The event demonstrates the rich equestrian heritage of the Kazakh people, highlighting both the riders' mastery and the exceptional training of their horses.

horse rider standing on the saddle, shot on OPPO Reno 13

The celebration always included mass games, traditional horse races and other competitions. Riders dressed in elegant traditional Kazakh attire enter the arena in formation, often carrying flags to symbolize courage and freedom. Riders perform spectacular stunts while their horses gallop at full speed, including Riding backward, standing on the saddle, vaulting and hanging off the saddle.

AI Enhance Clarity, shot on OPPO Reno 13

From Kazakhstan to the World: Discovering Cultural Wonders with OPPO

For centuries, Kazakhs have travelled across the steppes during Nauryz, sharing joy and tradition. Through OPPO's imaging technology, these timeless moments come to life.

As OPPO and Discovery continue their journey of capturing global traditions, we invite you to explore the beauty of cultures around the world—celebrate the moment.