Salom Travel

In the history of the ancient Silk Road, Bukhara was a major trading center for silk, spice and other products. This 15th century city is now the backdrop for our annual "Silk & Spice Festival. This three-day event celebrates the city's historical and cultural heritage, distinctive crafts, national ceremonies and traditions. Located in the historic atmosphere of Bukhara's "old city", among the mosques, trading domes and minarets, the Annual Silk & Spice Festival offers travelers the opportunity to discover the best of what Central Asia has to offer.

The fine handy-work of traditional crafts has been revived and honed to showcase an array of products. For the Festival, our local artisans will be joined by regional crafts people and many from neighboring countries, featuring

• silk weavers
• potters
• gold embroiderers
• carpet weavers
• metal chasers
• miniature painting

Each days the Festival begins with the unique exhibition of artisans demonstrating their skill in the center of the "old city". Additionally, musicians, puppets and tightrope walkers will entertain guest throughout the day. Not to be out-done by the daytime festivities, each evening the Festival will include special cultural and theatrical performances, keeping the traditional atmosphere alive.

The highlight of the festival will be the spectacular parade "Caravan of Wonders" which will take place on the first day from 16:00 till 17:00. A colorful display of artists, musicians and children in traditional costume will march from the Ark Citadel past many of the major historical sites to the finale at the Lyabi Khauz Complex.

Festival Program

The Bukhara Tourism Association proudly presents its 10th “Silk & Spice” Festival—a celebration of traditional Uzbek art, music and crafts. Surrounded by a wealth of ancient monuments, local artisans, joined by regional and foreign merchants and artist, will display a dazzling array of hand-crafted goods. From silk weaving to pottery, from miniature painting to wood carving, there is something for everyone to marvel at and take home as a permanent memory of a stunning experience.

CRAFT FAIRS

During three days of the festival from 9.00 to 18.00 the city will host a trade-fair of craft works by master artisans. Local artisans situated in the Trading Domes and Madrassah, will be joined by participants from all over Uzbekistan as well as invited masters from neighboring countries.

PERFORMANCES

Folklore performances will be held throughout the three-day event at the greatest sights of Bukhara - the Poi-Kalyan Palace, Lyabi Khauz and Samani Park

Tight-Rope walkers\' performances at Registan Square will charm children and adults alike, as will the folk songs presented by the Children’s Choir at Lyabi Khauz.

3rd of June, Friday

16.00-17:00

The old town of Bukhara will burst into color and activity with the festive parade "Caravan of Wonders" marching from the Arc Citadel past Poi-Kalyan to the Lyabi Khauz Complex

17.30

Official opening of the festival at the Summer Theatre of the Lyabi Khauz Complex

18.30

Presentations by officials and guests

Folklore concert: Uzbek Philharmonic

4th of June, Saturday

10.00-17.00

The sweetest part of the festival program with tasting of Bukharian sweets and halvah at the Gaukushon Madrassah

14.00-15.00

Unique opportunity to see the preparation of and taste plov made by the best oshpaz (chefs) during the Plov Contest in Kukeldash Madrassah

17.00-21.00

Tasting of the best wine of Uzbekistan at the Nugai Caravanserai

19.00-21.00

Demonstration of ethnographical fashion in the Summer Theatre of the Lyabi Khauz Complex. Clothes from natural fabrics will be showcased by models from different regions of Uzbekistan as well as guests from neighboring countries.

5th of June, Sunday

10.00-16.00

Continuation of wine-tasting at the Nugai Caravanserai

17.00-18.30

Official closing of the festival and awards ceremony for the best craftsmen and models at the Summer Theatre of the Lyabi Khauz Complex