To celebrate the New Year — the major holiday in Kazakhstan — residents and local authorities usually decorate homes and public spaces with festive lights and evergreen trees. In Ust-Kamenogorsk, in eastern Kazakhstan, they went a step further by organizing a dog parade.
On Dec. 27, the Pet Dog New Year festival was held on the new Ulba embankment, according to YK-News.kz. More than 50 costumed dogs, accompanied by their owners, took part in the event.
The parade featured both purebred dogs and mixed breeds adopted from city shelters. Entire families attended, and some guests even traveled from other regions to take part.
«We organized this festival for the first time in our city. The decision was made spontaneously to support the New Year spirit. Many residents of the East Kazakhstan region attended the event,» said Yana Grigorieva, one of the organizers.
Not only the pets but also their owners dressed up. Among the guests were, for example, the Grinch and his dog Toshka. However, the elf wasn’t angry at all that day and happily wished everyone a Happy New Year.
«Events like this are very important for the city, the region and the entire country. We must take care of animals. The president has signed a law banning the culling of stray dogs, so we must all support and protect them. They are our furry friends and loyal companions,» added festival participant Almas Dzhakishev.
The organizers say the costumed dog parade will become an annual tradition and attract even more furry participants and spectators in the future.
