The event has international status and contributes to the development of the tourism sector.
Today, deputy Bolot Sagynaev spoke in parliament criticizing the international festival KOLFEST. He stated that the festival violates traditional values and supports the LGBT movement.
Sagynaev emphasized: “Some participants were dressed in kalpaks and chepkens, danced without clothing, and engaged in actions that do not conform to generally accepted moral standards. After the festival, syringes were found, indicating drug use,” after which he called for a ban on the event.
In response, the organizers of KOLFEST made a statement.
“The KOLFEST music and arts festival team respects public discussions and believes it is necessary to clarify the situation regarding publications about the festival. KOLFEST is an open international cultural festival that brings together music, contemporary art, cultural projects, and guests from different countries. Since its inception in 2019, artists from more than 18 countries have performed on the festival stages, and the total number of guests has exceeded 10,000 people from 30 countries, making the event an important platform for cultural exchange and the development of creative industries in Kyrgyzstan.
The festival takes place on private property, not on public venues. All events are organized within the framework of rented space and comply with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The organizers notify and interact with local government bodies and security services (Ministry of Internal Affairs, State Drug Control Service, National Security Committee, etc.) in advance, ensuring order and safety at the event.
It is extremely important for us:
- compliance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic
- the safety of participants and guests
- respect for the culture and traditions of the country
- responsible management of the festival space
KOLFEST is an international cultural event that promotes the development of tourism, art, and creative industries in Kyrgyzstan, attracting many foreign guests each year.
In 2025, the KOLFEST team conducted an international promotional tour, representing Kyrgyzstan and the festival at various cultural and musical venues around the world.
In Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, meetings were held with the Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic on event tourism, as well as collaboration with a travel company and the UR_MU (Urban Museum) gallery network.
In Estonia, Tallinn, the festival was presented at Tallinn Music Week.
In Germany, Berlin, a radio show about the festival was recorded at Refuge Worldwide, and Kyrgyz musicians performed live.
In Russia, Moscow, the festival took 1st place at the international BEMA! (Best Experience Marketing Awards) in the "International Festival" category.
In the USA, Fayetteville, KOLFEST participated in the Music Cities Convention and took 3rd place at the Music Cities Awards.
These efforts strengthen the international image of Kyrgyzstan in the fields of culture, tourism, and creative industries.
We are open to dialogue and ready to provide necessary information to all interested parties, including government bodies and partners.
We are confident that truth and justice, rather than subjective opinions, will ultimately be heard by society,” the official statement reads.
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