Like every other holiday, whether or not it originated in Kyrgyz culture, Bishkek doesn’t miss a chance to set up colorful photo backdrops in Ala Too Square and bring out various props to pose with.
(A photographer pep-talk, holidays are big business on the square.)
Sometimes that prop is a giant komuz.
Sometimes it’s peacocks (real or stuffed), pigeons or rabbits.
I also saw plenty of ladies walking around with flowers, balloons and stuffed animals. Who cares if Valentine’s Day is a cheesy, commercialized Western export; sometimes it’s nice to have an excuse to be romantic.
Great blog! I read it all the time.
http://globalvoicesonline.org/2013/03/06/celebrating-valentines-day-in-kyrgyzstan/