Together with gaining independence, the country formed its own holiday calendar. If you ask what holidays are in Kazakhstan, then we can say that there are those that have remained from the once united country, but the majority are new holidays of the state. In accordance with labor laws, national and state holidays are non-working days. As in Russia, if a holiday falls on a day off, then it is postponed to the next day.
Two New Years
The New Year is still widely celebrated in the country, though there are no longer any great Christmas holidays, they only rest on January 1 and 2. Although the country is now predominantly Muslim, Orthodox Christmas is considered a day off.
The real New Year comes to the country on March 21-23, when Nauryz Meiramy is celebrated, which has become the state holiday of Kazakhstan. This custom has several centuries, even in pre-Islamic times, many eastern peoples celebrated it as the resurrection of nature after a long winter. Nauryz has long been banned and only in 1991 was again recognized as the holiday of Kazakhstan, and since 2009 it has been celebrated for three days. The President of the country congratulates the people, other representatives of the executive and local authorities also take part in the celebrations. In the cities of the country are held festivities, holiday fairs, competitions in national sports. In accordance with centuries-old customs, people visit their parents and chat with friends. According to ancient traditions, it is customary to forgive old grievances and help the poor. Everyone congratulates each other on the birth of spring, saying: "Cocktail Tudy!". For two decades, Nauryz has become the most beloved holiday in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Women's Day
As in many countries of the former Soviet Union, International Women's Day on March 8 remained a holiday in Kazakhstan. As before, many organizations organize events dedicated to women. Although the holiday began as a day of struggle for the equal rights of women, it has long lost its political implication. Now it’s just a day dedicated to all women, when love, beauty and kindness are chanted. Across the country, men give flowers and gifts to beloved girls and wives, mothers and daughters.
Unity day
Kazakhstan is a multinational country with representatives of about 150 nationalities. In 1995, May 1 was a holiday in Kazakhstan, now it is the Day of Unity of the People, and not Labor Day. Starting next year, it began to be widely celebrated by festive processions, festivals, concerts, at which representatives of the peoples living in the country perform. Unity Day is designed to strengthen international relations, to promote an open dialogue between representatives of different peoples living in the country. Colorful performances of folklore groups representing cultural national centers take place in many settlements of Kazakhstan. Fairs where items and souvenirs are sold became traditional, tasting dishes of the peoples living in Kazakhstan are offered.
Victory Day
The military parade in Kazakhstan takes place on May 7, the Defender of the Fatherland Day, which is a public holiday in Kazakhstan. On this day, back in 1992, the president of the country signed a decree on the creation of a national armed forces. The celebration also awards the next ranks and awards to the Kazakh military.
Also, on the eve of Victory Day, which is celebrated on May 9, charity events, events to honor veterans and invalids of war, heroes of the rear and persons equated to them are held. Many educational and cultural organizations hold conferences, meetings dedicated to the memory of war heroes. On this holiday in Kazakhstan, solemn meetings and concerts are held. A mandatory event is the laying of wreaths at the Eternal Flame Memorial, which is in every big city in the country. During the war years, about 1.4 million people (70% of the country's male population) went to the front from the country, of which more than 400 thousand people died. In recent years, in Kazakhstan, as well as around the world, mass marches of the Immortal regiment began to take place. In the capital of the country alone, on the day of this state holiday of Kazakhstan, more than 7 thousand people marched with portraits of their relatives - participants in the war.
Independence Holidays
The national holiday of Kazakhstan - Independence Day - is celebrated on December 16. On this day in 1991, the Supreme Council, then the Soviet Republic, approved the law on state sovereignty and independence. Exactly one year later, President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed a decree and a constitutional law on the independence of the Republic and state sovereignty of Kazakhstan. It was the last Soviet republic to declare its independence. During the holiday in Kazakhstan, in cities and villages, folk festivals and festivities, gala concerts, competitions and festivals are held. Politicians, outstanding figures of art, culture and sports are awarded on this holiday. Amnesties for prisoners are also committed by this date.
