Students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered at the Levis Faculty Center on March 27 to celebrate Nauryz, a traditional spring holiday symbolizing renewal, friendship, and new beginnings.
The event was organized through a partnership among the Russian, East European, and Eurasian Center (REEEC), Global Education and Training (GET), and the Central Asian Association, a student organization at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Guests learned about the history and cultural significance of Nauryz while enjoying traditional Kazakh cuisine. The program also featured cultural presentations, dance performances, interactive games, and an opportunity for attendees to learn a traditional dance.
Felipe De Los Santos, an M.A. student in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies, described the celebration as a fun and memorable experience. “I really enjoyed the traditional dancing and music, and it was wonderful to see Director John Randolph and other guests wearing traditional Kazakh clothing,” Felipe said. Director Randolph wore a beautiful ceremonial shapan, a traditional long robe often made from rich fabric and decorated with embroidery.
Celebrated throughout Central Asia and other regions, Nauryz is connected to the arrival of spring and emphasizes hospitality, unity, and community. The event gave participants an opportunity to experience these traditions while learning more about Kazakhstan and the broader Central Asian region.
The welcoming atmosphere brought members of the campus community together through food, music, dance, and shared cultural experiences. The partnership among REEEC, GET, and the Central Asian Association demonstrated the importance of campus and student collaboration in promoting cultural exchange and strengthening connections across the university.