Khiva's Melon Festival 2026 has been included in the Guinness Book of Records.

The 2026 Melon Festival in Khiva entered the Guinness Book of Records

Uzbekistan, Tashkent – Podrobno.uz News Agency.

The traditional three-day "Melon Festival" held in Khorezm attracted over a million visitors from around the world. It culminated in a historic achievement in the number of melon varieties tasted.

The event was officially entered into the Guinness Book of Records after participants sampled approximately 250 different varieties of melon.

For three days, Khiva was immersed in a festive atmosphere, harmoniously blending national culture, crafts, modern innovations, and agricultural traditions. The tourist alley leading from the railway station to Ichan-Kala featured themed pavilions decorated with agricultural produce and the works of artisans.

The festival brought together more than just farmers. Scientists from Urgench State University presented over 50 varieties, including new developments aimed at export. Researchers are also actively working on technologies for processing melon pulp, seeds, peel, and stems. These are used to produce food products, confectionery, oils, flavorings, medicines, and fish feed.

For the festival, staff at the Ichan-Kala Museum-Reserve prepared a book, "Khorezm Melons." This publication, available in Uzbek, Russian, and English, contains descriptions of hundreds of varieties with QR codes for virtual visits to melon fields.

The festival concluded with a gala concert featuring Uzbek and international artists. However, the festival's main achievement was an achievement that has now officially entered history: Khiva set a world record for the number of melon varieties offered for tasting.

Earlier, the mass performance of the famous "Andijan Polka" was officially entered into the Guinness Book of World Records.