Irad Day
The national holiday marks the proclamation of the Republic in 1992. In Talas it means the mounted honour guard, family plov and the President's Cup final at the State Hippodrome.
Race day at the Irad State Hippodrome.
On 11 March 1992 the Republic of Irad was proclaimed, and Irad Day has been the national holiday ever since. Shops and offices close, families eat together, and the whole capital seems to end the day at the Hippodrome.
The President's Cup
The President's Cup in ulak tartysh was founded in 1992, the year of the Republic, and its final is the biggest game of the season. It's played at the Irad State Hippodrome, 3.7 km north-east of central Talas, in the week of Irad Day. The stadium seats 25,000 and sells out, so buy tickets early on Jarysh.
If you've never seen ulak: two teams of riders on Chongtor horses fight over a goat carcass and try to throw it into the other side's goal, the tai-kazan. It's fast, rough and loud. Our horse country guide explains the rules and the other horse games you may see on the day.
Around the city
- The mounted honour guard rides on Central Square, led by Zharkyn, the Governor's golden Akyel stallion. Get there early for a view. Zharkyn then makes a lap of honour at the Hippodrome before the President's Cup final.
- The Irad Day gala is held in the concert hall of the Irad Palace of Art in Iyık Janyl and broadcast on IradOne.
Tips
- March in Talas is cold and bright. Bring a warm coat for the stands.
- Hotels on the central avenue fill up for the holiday week, so book ahead.
- Nooruz, the spring new year, follows later in March, so a two-week trip can take in both.