At the Qovun Sayli (Melon Festival) held in Khiva from August 7 to 9, 259 people simultaneously tasted more than 10 varieties of melon, setting a Guinness World Record.
The festival was held at the Ichan-Qala historical complex and the Arda Khiva tourism center, drawing 150,000 domestic and 36,000 foreign visitors.
One of the festival's headline moments was the setting of the Guinness World Record for the largest melon tasting. According to the official Guinness World Records certificate, the record was registered on August 9, with Sheyda Subashi Gemici, Guinness's official adjudicator for Turkey and Central Asia, on hand to verify it.
Over the course of the festival, organizers held performances by artists, master classes, exhibitions and competitions. Russian singer MakSim performed at the closing ceremony.
Districts of Khorezm province, farming enterprises and other participants showcased dozens of melon varieties, local produce, agricultural technologies and achievements at the festival.
In the competition results, the grand prize went to the Khiva city administration; first place went to the Yangiariq district administration; and second place to the Khorezm provincial Department of Agriculture. Third place was awarded to Urgench State University, UzAuto's Khorezm branch, and the Khorezm provincial department of the Highway Committee.
In May, it was reported that Namangan's 2026 flower festival had also entered the Guinness World Records, setting a record for the "most flowers planted by a team in one month."
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