The Secret of Six Tastes: How Naryn celebrated World Food Day

The Secret of Six Tastes: How Naryn celebrated World Food Day

On October 29, 2024, the city of Naryn transformed into the center of a unique celebration—a family festival titled The Secret of Six Tastes. The Zh. Sheraliev Children's Art School became a magical space where flavors guided participants into an enchanting world of knowledge. Amidst dancing, riddles, and laughter, schoolchildren and their parents discovered that sweetness can be found in pumpkins and that salt is more than a seasoning—it’s essential for life. This special day brought together 150 schoolchildren and 60 parents, offering them a joyful experience while teaching valuable lessons about nutrition, sustainability, and culture.

Curious about how it all unfolded? Welcome to The Secret of Six Tastes festival!

Why six tastes?

The festival was part of World Food Day celebrations, observed globally on October 16. This year’s theme was “The Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future.” The event, organized by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Kyrgyzstan and the Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI), conveyed this global message to a younger audience through engaging, hands-on activities. Why use taste as a theme? Because the best way to learn is to experience—by tasting, touching, and even eating!

The six tastes—sweet, sour, bitter, salty, spicy, and astringent—became the stars of the event. They highlighted culinary diversity while teaching children the importance of balanced nutrition. All were eager to unlock the secrets of a magical Book of Tastes.

The magical book and its mysteries

At the heart of the festival was an ancient book that only Zuurah, the charismatic host, could open. However, to turn its pages, children and parents had to complete tasks at 17 interactive stations. Alongside her assistants, Zuurah welcomed guests and directed them to the various activity zones. The festivities kicked off with a lively dance flash mob that set the mood for the day’s adventures.

What lies behind each taste?

Each of the 17 activity zones was uniquely themed, sparking curiosity and excitement. Favorites included stations where participants could feel like alchemists or artists, crafting colorful salt-based artworks.

• Sweet taste: At the “Sweet Treat Cottage,” children identified sweet foods blindfolded, from bananas to baked beets. A quiz about bees revealed the importance of honey and its vital role in our ecosystem.
• Sour taste: “A Sourish Journey” introduced participants to sour foods from around the world, like kurut and olives. The “Sour Sprint” challenged brave participants to eat a lemon and navigate an obstacle course.
• Bitter taste: Here, children tasted cocoa, grapefruit, and arugula, learning about the health benefits of bitter foods. The “Flavor Maze” encouraged mindful food choices.
• Salty taste: At “Marine Treasures,” young “sailors” unearthed toy treasures in the sand while exploring the importance of salt and seafood in a balanced diet.
• Spicy taste: Participants identified spices by scent and texture and learned the origins of their favorite seasonings.
• Astringent taste: Through activities with beans and persimmons, children discovered the unique properties of tannins and explored new flavor sensations.

Eco-lessons for the whole family

The festival also drew attention to environmental issues. During creative masterclasses, families repurposed plastic waste into practical items, transformed old T-shirts into trendy shopping bags, and crafted bee-themed decorations. These activities underscored the message that even small steps can help make our planet cleaner and greener.

What did participants learn?

• Balanced nutrition: Food doesn’t have to be monotonous—embracing a variety of flavors enriches our diet and improves our health.
• Eco-friendly thinking: Simple habits, like recycling, can significantly reduce our environmental footprint.
• Cultural heritage: Foods and flavors are a part of cultural identity, and exploring them helps us understand the traditions of different nations.

In addition to offering new knowledge to children and adults, the festival brought them closer together. Through shared games and challenges, families strengthened their bonds, while the themes of biodiversity and ecology drew attention to some of the most pressing issues of our time.

Participants earned play coins for completing tasks, which they could exchange for prizes like board games, calendars, and sports equipment. These tokens of the day will serve as lasting reminders of the festival and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

“Mom, I know how many eyes a bee has”

For many children, the festival was a journey of discovery, as some tried new flavors for the first time. They learned that persimmons don’t always taste astringent or got surprised at the sweetness of roasted pumpkin. Parents appreciated how complex topics were explained in such a fun and engaging way. “I never thought my son would be so excited about a bean race!” one mother shared.

Inspiration for everyday life

The Secret of Six Tastes festival was a vibrant reminder that nutrition isn’t just about calories—it’s about joy, culture, and caring for the future. The next time these children slice a fruit or sprinkle spices into a dish, they’ll not only think of the taste but also recall the valuable lessons they learned at this magical event.