Secular Celebrations

Women's Day, which is very important in Kazakhstan and is celebrated by all, is one of the main secular celebrations. On this day, women are honored by their male coworkers and family members, who shower them with flowers and entertain them with skits and jokes. Narooz, or Kazakh New Year, is a holiday observed primarily by Kazakhs on March 22nd, but also by Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Turkmen, and Iranians. It takes place on the summer solstice. Kazakhs prepare traditional foods, hold horse races, and build numerous yurts.

Victory Day, celebrated on May 9th, commemorates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. Independence was declared on October 25, the Day of the Republic. This is a nationalist day in Kazakhstan, with many speeches, songs, and performances in Kazakh. Independence Day is observed on December 16th to commemorate the riots in Almaty on December 16, 1986. The riots were the first public manifestation of Kazakh nationalism and solidarity. Independence Day, like Republic Day, is widely observed.