Silk and Spices Festival
The Silk and Spices Festival in Bukhara is an annual event. As the town is located on the route of the Great Silk Road, caravans carrying silk and spices from China to Europe used to pass through Bukhara. At that time, Bukhara was famous for the best masters of pottery, embossing, carpet weaving, gold embroidery, and other crafts.
The first Silk and Spices Festival was arranged by the Uzbektourism National Company, Bukhara City Hall, and Hunarmand Association of Craftspeople. It was held at the beginning of the twenty-first century. The main purpose of the festival was to revive the cultural heritage of the Great Silk Road and to demonstrate the wealth of traditions of local artisans. It turned out to be a successful idea, and the festival began to be held annually. The Silk and Spices Festival is traditionally held during the period from the end of May to the beginning of June. And the number of tourists grows each time. A tour to Uzbekistan in late May allows you to enjoy all the benefits of the generous Uzbek sun complemented by a colorful cultural and historical experience.
Visiting the Silk and Spices Festival, Bukhara, guests find themselves in an Oriental fairy tale. The opening is accompanied by a festive procession of people dressed in national costumes, and performances of artists, dancers, acrobats, and strongmen. Under the walls of the Ark of Bukhara, medieval warriors join the rank. In the streets, you can find a lot of caravans with camels and horses harnessed to them. Seeing all this, you can take a mental journey a thousand years back.
The festival takes place over several days, and fairs also take place during this time. Here guests can buy handicrafts, all kinds of souvenirs, and handkerchiefs made of natural silk.
Craftspeople of Bukhara and other regions of Uzbekistan organize a variety of workshops. Large open areas serve as a venue for various contests, cockfights, and other games.
Traditionally the festival ends with a big concert by a Po-i-Kalyan band where mostly Uzbek folk music is played.
When planning a trip to Uzbekistan at the end of May, you should visit the traditional Silk and Spices Festival in Bukhara.