Rural Festive Culture: Features of the Symbolic Events’ Influence on the Identity Formation Processes (on the Example of Altai Kazakhs)

The article presents the results of a series of surveys conducted by scientists and staff of the Altai State University in April-May 2024. The surveys were devoted to the study of the historical and cultural heritage of the Kazakh population in the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic. The obtained data on symbolic events characteristic of the culture of the Altai Kazakhs are analyzed. The role of celebration practices in the formation of the identity of local communities is noted. It is shown that the Kazakhs of the Altai Territory (residents of the villages of Kirey and Mirabilit) prefer regional as well as all-Russian holidays. The Kazakhs of the Altai Republic (the village of Kosh-Agach, the village of Zhana-Aul) demonstrate the value of holding traditional Turkic-language symbolic events. At the same time, through the prism of holidays, attempts by the regional authorities to form an Altai identity against the background of various ethnic groups are observed. The key festive event for Kazakhs of both regions is «Nauryz», this holiday is becoming an important tool in preserving the history and culture of the nomadic people in Altai.