Electronic Music Festival "Stihia"

The Stihia Festival, an annual celebration of electronic music, art, and science, has taken place in Uzbekistan every year since 2017. At this unique event, attendees are treated to an international lineup of artists performing in genres ranging from ambient techno and electro to acid techno, hardcore live, techno-trance, and underground. In addition to the musical acts, Stihia offers a scientific forum that gathers scientists and experts for discussions, alongside exhibitions and fairs showcasing national clothing and crafts.

The inaugural Stihia Festival was an open-air event held on the desolate bed of the former Aral Sea, amidst a ship graveyard in Moynaq. This striking setting was chosen to highlight the ecological crisis affecting the region, marrying the cause of eco-activism with the universal language of music. Only once has the festival moved location, in 2023, to a desert near Bukhara, broadening its canvas.

From its very first year featuring performers from Uzbekistan, Georgia, and Russia, Stihia's reach has expanded impressively. The festival has since seen artists from the US, Canada, Germany, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, China, Iran, Egypt, Japan, India, Kazakhstan, Karakalpakstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and beyond, making it a melting pot of global cultures.

Spanning three days, the festival boasts multiple stages where dozens of acts entertain thousands of guests from around the world.

Held outdoors, Stihia allows festival-goers to camp out in a designated tent city. Given the chilly nighttime temperatures in the desert, which can fall to 5-10 degrees Celsius, visitors are advised to pack warm clothing. The site is equipped with showers and eco-friendly toilets, and organizers suggest bringing essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, both dry and wet wipes, a flashlight, water, and snacks. While self-catering is not an option, there's no need to worry about going hungry or thirsty - an open-air kitchen and a bar are at your service, and yes, you'll have cell service.

Safety is taken seriously at Stihia, with oversight from Uzbekistan's Ministry of Internal Affairs, medical facilities, and fire safety measures in place. However, it's wise to keep a close watch on personal items and documents.

The festival experience is rounded off with cultural excursions, like a trip to the renowned Savitsky Museum in Nukus, offering a deeper dive into the region's heritage.