Dear Annette,
I hope you are doing well. How is your school?
You can be sure that I remember about that project I promised you to help with, so I’ll tell you about the way we celebrate New Year in Kazakhstan.
First of all, you need to know that within our population the views on what real New Year is differ significantly. Most of us have celebrations on the 1st of January, while some criticize it as it appears to be a part of Soviet legacy, which is rather controversial. As an alternative, on a state level we celebrate Nauryz as well. It is in March, and it seems to have a greater significance for us today. It has nothing to do with the beginning of the year according to the calendar, it mostly symbolizes the beginning of a new natural cycle.
Various events are organized by the city administration, so people may enjoy several days of going out with their loved ones, attending concerts and public events. Food matters as well: traditionally we cook Nauryz Kozhe, which is a kind of soup that consists of 7 ingredients. And my favourite Nauryz dish is baursak, it tastes a bit like a donut, but without topping.
What I appreciate most about this is that I can enjoy celebrations twice a year. Like many people in our country, I don’t really care about those principles, so I simply use each of these opportunities to have rest and make time for my family and friends.
I hope your project will impress your teacher. Please text me as soon as you have presented it, I really look forward to your response.
Love,
Malika