Kazakhstan National Day

Kazakhstan National Day

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  1. 1990Declaration of State Sovereignty adopted by Kazakh SSR
  2. 1991Kazakhstan declares independence from the Soviet Union
  3. 2019Capital renamed Nur-Sultan, later restored as Astana

The story behind the day

25 October marks Republic Day in Kazakhstan, commemorating the 1990 Declaration of State Sovereignty. The date came before full independence from the Soviet Union in December 1991 and is now used to mark the political foundation of the modern Kazakh state.

The day became important again after being restored as a national holiday in 2022. It allows Kazakhstan to emphasise sovereignty, state institutions and Kazakh identity while also recognising the country's multi-ethnic society and Soviet inheritance.

Today Republic Day is marked with concerts, official ceremonies, flags, cultural events and public celebrations in Astana, Almaty and regional centres. Visitors see sky-blue flags, eagle imagery, steppe motifs, dombra music and a formal but festive civic mood.

Across Kazakhstan, the holiday links city and steppe: families gather over beshbarmak, baursak and tea, while public stages present dance, nomadic heritage and modern national branding.

  1. 202625 October 2026 · Sunday
  2. 202725 October 2027 · Monday
  3. 202825 October 2028 · Wednesday
The Kazakh flag
Kazakhstan flag

The Kazakh flag has a sky-blue field with a golden sun, steppe eagle and ornamental pattern at the hoist. Blue represents sky, peace and Turkic heritage, the sun life and abundance, the eagle freedom and state power, and the ornament traditional Kazakh art.

Kazakh celebration food is nomadic, meat-centred and hospitable, with horse meat, lamb, noodles, dairy, fried dough and tea defining the table.

What to eat

BeshbarmakBoiled horse meat with pasta and rich broth — Kazakhstan's national dish, a nomadic heritage meal served at every celebration feast.
BaursakRoasted whole lamb cooked in a closed metal container over the fire — the Kazakh celebration meat for weddings and national days.
KazyThin flatbreads baked on a tava griddle and served with meat stew — the Kazakh everyday bread with nomadic steppe origins.
PlovLamb dumplings boiled in broth — larger and more rustic than Chinese dumplings, eaten as a main course at Kazakh celebrations.
MantiNoodles rolled by hand with broth and boiled meat — the Kazakh version of lagman, Central Asia's most beloved noodle dish.
KuyrdakFried dough pockets filled with lamb and onion — Central Asian baked or fried dumplings eaten as a celebration snack.

What to drink

KumysFermented mare's milk — Kazakhstan's national drink with a thousand years of nomadic tradition; served at celebrations and as a health tonic.
ShubatFermented camel milk — thicker and more sour than kumis, drunk as a medicine and celebration drink in southern Kazakhstan.
Black teaStrong black tea with milk — drunk constantly from morning to night across Kazakhstan; the social drink of the steppe.
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Kazakhstan culture

Kazakh culture is shaped by steppe nomadism, Turkic language, Soviet history, dombra music, horse culture and modern city-building in Astana and Almaty.

Dombra musicThe two-string lute carries epic songs and national feeling.
Eagle huntingTraditional hunting with golden eagles remains a powerful steppe symbol.
Astana ceremoniesThe capital hosts official Republic Day concerts and state events.
Yurt heritageThe yurt symbolises mobility, hospitality and nomadic design.