The historic Ichan-Kala State Museum Reserve in Khiva came alive with vibrant colors and festive energy as it hosted the Traditional Melon Festival from August 9 to 11. This annual celebration, which has grown into an international event over the past two years, was marked by the display of Uzbekistan’s rich agricultural heritage and the development of agritourism.
Sophie Ibbotson, Uzbekistan’s Tourism Ambassador, expressed her admiration for the festival, stating, “I know this is a melon festival, but I was still really blown away by the number and variety of melons on show today in Khiva. It demonstrates the huge potential of agritourism in Uzbekistan, and the pride which farmers rightly take in their produce. Definitely an event to remember.”
The festival’s opening ceremony was graced by prominent figures, including the Chairman of the Tourism Committee, Umid Shadiev, and the Governor of Khorezm Province, Jurabek Rakhimov. Addressing the attendees, Shadiev highlighted the significance of the event for the region's tourism sector. “The development of agrotourism has a direct impact on the development of the tourism industry. This festival, which is held annually during the melon ripening season, has become an international event over the past two years,” he said.
Spread across four hectares, the festival featured 60 pavilions showcasing the best of local produce. Participants included the governor and mayor offices of Karakalpakstan, various provinces, and the city of Tashkent, along with representatives from 13 cities and districts within the Khorezm province. The pavilions displayed an impressive array of 125 different types of melons, including unique varieties such as Gurvak, Kilichboy Beshak, Karikiz, Tuya kovun, Tuyona, Ola zamcha, Khorezm ok novvoti, Kuk gulobi, and Borikalla.
The festival also offered a rich cultural experience, with exhibitions by local artisans and performances by folklore groups, further enriching the event’s atmosphere and showcasing the region’s cultural diversity.
The event culminated in an award ceremony where the best participants were honored. The grand prix, a GM Tracker, was awarded to residents of Yangibazar district in the Khorezm province. Urgench residents took home a GM Onix for securing first place, while the second-place prize, a GM Damas minivan, went to the Khiva district. The third place was shared between Urgench district, Koshkupyr district, and Khiva, each receiving motorbikes.
The Traditional Melon Festival in Khiva not only celebrated the region's agricultural bounty but also reinforced Uzbekistan’s commitment to promoting agritourism as a key component of its tourism strategy.
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