Public and national holidays in Kazakhstan:
January 1 – New Year
January 7 – Orthodox Christmas
March 8 – International Women’s Day
March 21, 22 and 23 – Nauryz
May 1 – Holiday of the Unity of the People of Kazakhstan
May 7 – Defender of the Fatherland Day
May 9 – Victory Day
July 6 – Capital Day
August 30 – Constitution Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan
December 1 – Day of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
December 16 and 17 – Independence Day
A large number of holidays are celebrated in Kazakhstan when residents of the country have a rest, and many state enterprises and institutions do not work. Two Muslim holidays are also considered days off: Orozo Ait and Kurban Ait. They are determined by the lunar calendar, so the dates of their celebration change every year. Orozo Ait marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is worth noting that during Ramadan some restaurants are closed during the daytime and only open in the evening. Both holidays are important for the Muslim part of the population because this is a time for prayer, reflection, and lavish dinners with family and friends.
Another significant holiday for Kazakhstanis is Nauryz, the spring equinox day. It is celebrated on March 21 and is accompanied by a great celebration throughout Kazakhstan. In honor of Nauryz, in cities and villages grandiose concerts, vibrant festivals, colorful festivals, and spectacular horse games are held. Families burn the branches of dried juniper to cleanse the house of evil spirits. Another important part of this spring holiday is the traditional dish – kozhe. It is a nutritious soup made with seven ingredients: meat, flour, butter, millet, salt, water, and milk. Each of them represents a certain life value for a person: health, unity, wisdom, wealth, luck, happiness, and development. Nauryz kozhe is a symbol of abundance, so it is obligatory to finish this amazing dish so that the whole next year will be happy and productive.
