The festival contributes to the development of tourism at an international level
Today, Bolot Sagynaev, a member of parliament, expressed dissatisfaction with the holding of the international KOLFEST festival, stating that it contradicts traditional values and promotes LGBT.
According to the deputy, “Some participants, dressed in kalpaks and chepkens, danced naked, and there were situations that do not conform to generally accepted moral standards. After the festival, syringes were found, indicating drug use,” he added, calling for the festival to be banned.
In response, the organizers of KOLFEST released a statement.
“The team of the international KOLFEST festival respects public discussions and considers it important to clarify the situation related to the festival,” their statement reads.
KOLFEST is an open cultural event that brings together music, contemporary art, and cultural initiatives, attracting participants from all over the world. Since its inception in 2019, the festival has become a platform for more than 10,000 guests from 30 countries, with artists from over 18 countries performing on its stages. This event has become an important element of cultural exchange and the development of creative industries in Kyrgyzstan.
The festival takes place on private property, not on public venues, and all events are organized in accordance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The organizers inform and interact in advance with local government bodies and security services (Ministry of Internal Affairs, Drug Control Service, National Security Committee, etc.), ensuring order and safety during the event.
For us, it is critically important:
- compliance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic;
- the safety of participants and guests;
- respect for the culture and traditions of the country;
- a responsible approach to organizing the festival space.
KOLFEST is an international cultural event aimed at developing tourism, art, and creative industries in Kyrgyzstan, attracting guests from all over the world every 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 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, meetings were held with the Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic regarding event tourism, as well as collaboration with a travel company and the UR_MU (Urban Museum) gallery network.
In Tallinn, Estonia, a presentation of Kyrgyzstan and KOLFEST took place as part of Tallinn Music Week.
In Berlin, Germany, a radio show about the festival was recorded on Refuge Worldwide, and a live performance by Kyrgyz musicians was held.
In Moscow, Russia, KOLFEST won first place at the international BEMA! (Best Experience Marketing Awards) in the category of "International Festival."
In Fayetteville, USA, the team participated in the Music Cities Convention and took third place at the Music Cities Awards.
This activity contributes to strengthening the international image of Kyrgyzstan in the fields of culture, tourism, and creative industries.
We are open to dialogues and providing necessary information to government bodies, partners, and society.
We are convinced that truth and justice, rather than subjective opinions, will ultimately be known to the public,” the organizers concluded.
Photo www
