National entertainments hold a prominent place in the lives of the Kyrgyz people. Various ethnic games and competitions are extremely popular among the people. They are also one of the most important elements of nomadic culture, as they helped develop the necessary qualities and skills for nomads - horsemanship, strength, agility, endurance, and accuracy.

The most popular games are horse competitions. During memorial services or festivals, horse races over long distances, called at-chabysh, were organized. Only the most enduring horses capable of quickly covering distances of up to 100 km could participate. The zhorgo-salysh competition is similar to at-chabysh, but besides speed and endurance, it vividly demonstrates the skill of riding with a horse’s neck arched - a riding style where the horse's hooves rise and fall in pairs.

A highly popular game nowadays is ulak-tartysh – a struggle between horsemen for the carcass of a goat. The game is played on a wide field with two teams of 2-3 people each, riding horses. The main goal is to throw the "goat carcass" (ulak), weighing about 40 kg, into the opponent team's goal. The game is very dynamic and truly captivating: participants toss the ulak to each other, snatch it from opponents, pick it up from the ground, or skillfully jump on horseback with it.

Romantic is the game kyz kuumai – "catch the girl." It involves a boy and a girl. The essence of the game is that the girl is given the best horse and a certain handicap in distance; the boy on an ordinary horse must catch up with her and kiss her or lightly touch her with his headgear.

Extraordinary spectacles are also games like oodarysh – a struggle between two riders on horseback, tyyyn enmei – the skill of picking up coins from the ground at full gallop, and jambı atmay – shooting a target with a rifle at full gallop.

A favorite competition for strongmen has always been belt wrestling – kurosh, the main goal of which is to throw the opponent on his back without letting go of his belt. The game of alchiki – ordoo is popular among both adults and children.

Unique in their own way are the singing competitions aitysh. They gather a large number of spectators who have the opportunity to listen to and appreciate the mastery of folk poets, akyns, with bated breath.

No holiday is complete without swinging on wooden swings with ropes – selkinchek. Usually, couples ride them - a boy and a girl. Places where swings are installed are always crowded with young people, and lively voices and laughter can always be heard.

Ethnic games are often held on major holidays and attract a large number of participants and spectators from the entire village (aila).