Kazakhstan celebrates a mix of national, cultural, and religious holidays, reflecting its rich history, nomadic heritage, and diverse population. These holidays include both secular state events and Islamic religious observances.
Key public holidays include:
| Holiday | Date (2025 Estimate) | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Secular/National | Start of Gregorian year, public celebration |
| International Women’s Day | March 8 | Secular/National | Widely celebrated with gifts and events |
| Nauryz Meyrami (Spring Festival) | March 21–23 | Cultural/National | Traditional Kazakh New Year with cultural festivals |
| Unity Day | May 1 | Secular/National | Promotes interethnic unity |
| Victory Day | May 9 | Historical | Commemorates WWII victory |
| Capital City Day | July 6 | State | Celebrates Astana’s (now capital) status |
| Kurban Ait (Eid al-Adha) | June 6–8 (approx.) | Religious (Islamic) | Feast of Sacrifice – date may vary based on the lunar calendar |
| Constitution Day | August 30 | National | Marks adoption of Kazakhstan’s constitution |
| Republic Day | October 25 | National | Celebrates declaration of sovereignty |
| Independence Day | December 16 | National | Marks independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 |
| Oraza Ait (Eid al-Fitr) | March 30 (approx.) | Religious (Islamic) | Festival of Breaking Fast – date varies with the Islamic lunar calendar |
overview of Kazakhstan’s major holidays and celebrations in 2025.
Islamic holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr (Oraza Ait) and Eid al-Adha (Qurban Ait), are observed according to the lunar calendar and typically include public prayers, family gatherings, and charity.
While some public institutions and offices may close during national holidays, many private businesses—especially in urban areas—remain open, maintaining services throughout most of the year. However, on major national days like Nauryz and Independence Day, public life slows down to allow for nationwide celebrations.
