Melon Festival in Uzbekistan blends food, art, and tradition
Annual event in Khorezm region showcases local agriculture, music, and heritage to boost tourism and celebrate Uzbek identity
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — Uzbekistan is preparing to host one of its most vibrant cultural showcases, the annual Melon Festival, in the historic city of Khiva from August 8 to 10.
Set against the backdrop of the UNESCO-listed Ichan-Kala complex and the Arda Khiva tourist zone, the festival blends agriculture, performance, and heritage in a bid to draw both domestic and international visitors to the Khorezm region.
According to UZ Daily, the festival is organized by the Uzbekistan Tourism Committee in collaboration with the Khorezm regional administration. Organizers see it not only as a celebration of the region’s agricultural bounty but also as a powerful cultural vehicle to promote Uzbekistan’s growing tourism industry.
The event will feature a regional melon fair, with each district showcasing its own pavilion styled to reflect local customs and traditions. But melons are just the beginning. Visitors will be treated to a rich program of folk performances, puppet shows, traditional clothing exhibitions, craft markets, and Uzbek cuisine — including the iconic Khorezm flatbread.
Art lovers can explore painting and visual arts exhibits, while those eager to engage hands-on can attend masterclasses in Uzbekistan’s famed applied arts. Performances by folk ensembles and creative collectives from across the country — and abroad — will culminate in a gala concert at the Arda Khiva complex on August 10.
Festival-goers will also see top participants honored with awards in various cultural categories, part of a broader initiative to recognize those preserving and promoting national traditions.
Now a staple in Khorezm’s cultural calendar, the Melon Festival serves as more than a celebration of a fruit — it is a showcase of regional identity, hospitality, and creativity. As Uzbekistan invests in cultural tourism, such events are increasingly seen as strategic tools to engage global audiences while fostering pride in local heritage.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
