NAMANGAN, Friday, May 8, 2026 (WNP): The Uzbek city of Namangan is preparing to host the 65th edition of the International Flower Festival, with organisers expecting around 1 million foreign tourists from more than 50 countries and over 7 million local visitors.
The city, one of the most populous and historically rich regions of Uzbekistan, has a heritage spanning more than two millennia. Established as an administrative unit in 1941, Namangan today is home to over three million residents and is known for its vibrant cultural and economic activity.
The International Flower Festival, first launched in 1961 as a local flower exhibition, gained international status in 2018 and has since evolved into one of Uzbekistan’s largest cultural events. This year’s edition will run from May 24 to July 12.
Organisers say preparations are in full swing, with nearly five million seasonal flowers planted across the city and surrounding districts to transform Namangan into a colourful cultural hub.
The 50-day festival will feature more than 150 events, including gala concerts, drone shows, car parades, open-air symphony performances, fashion weeks, exhibitions, and international forums on tourism, investment, and business.
A key highlight of this year’s edition may be a potential entry into the Guinness World Records, with an ongoing initiative to set a record for the largest-scale flower planting within a month. The verification process is being overseen by international representatives to ensure compliance with global standards.
The opening ceremony will take place at Babur Park on May 24, featuring a flower-decorated car parade through the city followed by a major evening concert at the amphitheatre of “New Uzbekistan” Park.
Throughout the festival, visitors will also witness theatre performances, puppet shows, handicraft fairs, workshops, and daily cultural events across city parks.
Major highlights in late May and early June include symphony concerts, retro music nights, “Fashion Days,” a lavender festival, a performance by renowned singer Yulduz Usmonova, and a drone show scheduled for June 1.
Sports and youth activities will also form a key part of the festival, with wrestling competitions, motocross events, international tournaments, and traditional ethnosport games planned.
In addition, the festival will host international conferences on biodiversity, artificial intelligence, tourism, and economics, underlining its growing scientific and academic significance alongside cultural celebrations.
The event will conclude on July 12 with a closing and award ceremony at “New Uzbekistan” Park, marking the end of one of Central Asia’s largest international cultural festivals.
