Public Holidays in Kyrgyzstan 2026 – Islamic, National & Public Holidays
Kyrgyzstan observes a mix of national, religious, and cultural public holidays. Some are fixed by law, while others—especially Islamic holidays—follow the lunar calendar and shift each year. On public holidays, government offices, schools, and many businesses close nationwide.
Overview of Kyrgyzstan’s Public Holidays
The public holiday calendar in Kyrgyzstan includes:
- Civil / national holidays such as New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Constitution Day, and Victory Day
- Cultural and seasonal observances including Nooruz (spring New Year) and People’s April Revolution Day
- Religious holidays based on the lunar calendar, such as Orozo Ait (Eid al-Fitr) and Kurman Ait (Eid al-Adha)
If a public holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute non-working day is commonly granted on the following weekday.
List of Public Holidays in Kyrgyzstan (2026)
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Beginning of the calendar year |
| January 2 – January 6 | Friday – Tuesday | New Year Holidays Extension | Extended non-working New Year period |
| January 7 | Wednesday | Orthodox Christmas Day | Observed by Orthodox Christian community |
| February 23 | Monday | Defender of the Fatherland Day | Honors military and defense personnel |
| March 8 | Sunday | International Women’s Day | Public holiday; substitute day may apply |
| March 9 | Monday | Substitute Holiday | Observed for International Women’s Day |
| March 21 | Saturday | Nooruz (Nowruz) | Traditional spring and New Year celebration |
| March 20 | Friday | Orozo Ait (Eid al-Fitr) | Lunar Islamic holiday (tentative) |
| April 7 | Tuesday | People’s April Revolution Day | Commemorates the 2010 revolution |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day / May Day | International Workers’ Day |
| May 5 | Tuesday | Constitution Day | Adoption of the 1993 constitution |
| May 9 | Saturday | Victory Day | Commemoration of WWII victory |
| May 11 | Monday | Substitute Holiday | Observed for Victory Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Kurman Ait (Eid al-Adha) | Feast of Sacrifice (tentative) |
| August 31 | Monday | Independence Day | Anniversary of independence in 1991 |
| November 7 – 8 | Saturday – Sunday | Days of History & Commemoration of Ancestors | Historical remembrance period |
Extended holiday periods such as Nooruz, Eid, and the New Year break are popular times to explore places to visit in Kyrgyzstan or book stays at well-rated hotels in Kyrgyzstan.
List of Public Holidays in Kyrgyzstan (2025)
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | First day of year |
| January 2 – January 6 | Thursday – Monday | New Year Holidays extension | Extended non-working days |
| January 7 | Tuesday | Orthodox Christmas Day | Orthodox Christian holiday |
| February 23 | Sunday | Defender of the Fatherland Day | Honors military personnel |
| March 8 | Saturday | International Women’s Day | Public holiday |
| March 21 | Friday | Nooruz (Nowruz) | Traditional spring festival |
| March 30 | Sunday | Orozo Ait (Eid al-Fitr) | Islamic lunar holiday |
| March 31 | Monday | Day off for Orozo Ait | Substitute holiday |
| April 7 | Monday | People’s April Revolution Day | 2010 revolution commemoration |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day | International Workers’ Day |
| May 5 | Monday | Constitution Day | 1993 Constitution adoption |
| May 9 | Friday | Victory Day | WWII victory commemoration |
| June 6 | Friday | Kurman Ait (Eid al-Adha) | Islamic lunar holiday |
| August 31 | Sunday | Independence Day | Independence anniversary |
| November 7 – 8 | Friday – Saturday | Days of History & Commemoration | Historical observance |
Observations & Notes
• Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar and are confirmed by official announcements.
• Substitute holidays are commonly granted when holidays fall on weekends.
• New Year holidays are traditionally extended across multiple days.
• Public holiday schedules may include compensatory or bridging days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Kyrgyzstan have in 2026?
Kyrgyzstan observes approximately 15–17 public holidays in 2026, including multi-day and lunar observances.
Do Eid holidays fall on the same date every year?
No. Orozo Ait and Kurman Ait follow the Islamic lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates change annually.
What does Nooruz celebrate?
Nooruz marks the arrival of spring and the traditional New Year in Kyrgyz culture.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Kyrgyzstan reflect the country’s cultural heritage, revolutionary history, and religious traditions. From the extended New Year break to Nooruz, Independence Day, and the lunar Eid festivals, these holidays shape the social and cultural rhythm of Kyrgyz society.
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