Public Holidays in Kazakhstan 2025 – National & Cultural Days
Kazakhstan observes a series of national public holidays each year, covering national, religious, and cultural traditions. Some holidays have fixed Gregorian dates, while others depend on lunar or seasonal calculations. When a holiday falls on a weekend, it is often moved to the next working day.
Overview of Public Holidays in Kazakhstan
The public holiday schedule in Kazakhstan includes celebrations of New Year, Orthodox Christmas, Nauryz (spring equinox / Persian New Year), Unity Day, Victory Day, Constitution Day, Republic Day, Independence Day, and religious observances such as Kurban Ait (Eid al-Adha). If a national holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the day off is typically extended (observed) on the following weekday.
List of Public Holidays in Kazakhstan (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | First day of the year |
| January 2 | Thursday | New Year Holiday | Extended New Year celebrations |
| January 3 | Friday | New Year Holiday | Continued New Year holiday period |
| January 7 | Tuesday | Orthodox Christmas Day | Christian holiday for Orthodox community |
| March 8 | Saturday | International Women’s Day | Recognized as a public holiday |
| March 10 | Monday | Women’s Day (observed) | Day off in lieu since March 8 falls on weekend |
| March 21–25 | Friday – Tuesday | Nauryz Meyramy | Multi-day celebration of spring / new year |
| May 1 | Thursday | Kazakhstan People’s Unity Day | Unity / solidarity holiday |
| May 7 | Wednesday | Defender of the Fatherland Day | Honoring the armed forces |
| May 9 | Friday | Victory Day | Marking victory in WWII |
| June 6 | Friday | Kurban Ait | Eid al-Adha, date depends on lunar calendar |
| July 6 | Sunday | Day of the Capital | Holiday in honor of capital city |
| July 7 | Monday | Day of the Capital (observed) | Shifted day off for July 6 falling Sunday |
| August 30 | Saturday | Constitution Day | Commemorates adoption of the Constitution |
| September 1 | Monday | Constitution Day (observed) | Holiday shifted since Aug 30 on weekend |
| October 25 | Saturday | Republic Day | Holiday marking declaration of sovereignty |
| October 27 | Monday | Republic Day (observed) | Shifted due to October 25 on weekend |
| December 16 | Tuesday | Independence Day | Kazakhstan declared independence from the Soviet Union |
Observances & Shifted Holidays
• If a holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is often declared a non-working day (e.g., Women’s Day, Capital Day, Constitution Day, Republic Day).
• Religious holiday Kurban Ait (Eid al-Adha) is set according to the Islamic lunar calendar and may change.
• Some “New Year Holiday” days include extended non-working days (Jan 1–3) around the New Year period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Kazakhstan have in 2025?
Kazakhstan has around 16–18 national public holidays (including observed / shifted days) in 2025.
Are holidays shifted when they fall on weekends?
Yes. If a public holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, the next working day is typically declared a day off (e.g., Women’s Day, Capital Day, Constitution Day, Republic Day).
When is Nauryz celebrated in Kazakhstan?
Nauryz (Persian / spring New Year) is observed March 21–23, and in 2025 extended through March 24–25 to compensate for weekend days.
What is Independence Day in Kazakhstan?
Independence Day is celebrated on December 16, marking Kazakhstan’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Kazakhstan reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage, blending national, religious, and seasonal observances. From New Year celebrations and Nauryz to Constitution Day, Republic Day, and Independence Day, these holidays shape public life and collective identity across Kazakhstan each year.
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