Last year, I visited the Qovun Sayli festival in Khiva – and I don’t think I had ever tasted so many delicious melons in my life! There seemed to be “a thousand” different varieties – sweet, fragrant and completely different from one another. And the best part was that they were generously shared with all the guests.
But the festival was memorable not only for its melons. Khorezm cuisine – fish, tukhum barak and other local dishes – was another highlight of this major gastronomic celebration.
On 7, 8 and 9 August, ancient Khiva will once again become a vibrant centre of national traditions, gastronomy, music and celebration. Qovun Sayli 2026 will take place at two venues – Ichan Kala and the Arda Khiva tourist complex.
Throughout the three-day festival, guests can enjoy exhibitions of rare melon varieties, traditional Khorezm dishes, folklore performances, theatrical shows, concerts, craft fairs, workshops, folk games, photo zones and evening fireworks.
This year, the organisers are once again promising something spectacular. Popular singer MakSim will be one of the festival’s main stars. She will perform at the Arda Khiva tourist complex on 8 August.
🎟 Admission is free.
If you want to experience the true taste of a Khorezm summer, discover local traditions and hear MakSim perform her most popular songs – come to Khiva!
📅 7–9 August
📍 Ichan Kala and the Arda Khiva tourist complex
