Kazakhstan Independence Day
Kazakhstan marks Independence Day on 16 December, the date the country’s Supreme Soviet adopted the Constitutional Law on State Independence in 1991. The holiday commemorates the move to sovereign statehood and the people remembered for striving for Kazakhstan’s freedom.[1][2]
History and meaning
On 16 December 1991, Kazakhstan’s Supreme Soviet adopted the Constitutional Law “On the State Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan.” The Government of Kazakhstan describes the date as a tribute to those who struggled for independence and freedom in different periods of the country’s history.[2]
Independence Day is distinct from Republic Day, which falls on 25 October and marks the 1990 Declaration on State Sovereignty. Kazakhstan’s law lists Republic Day as a national holiday and Independence Day as a state holiday.[1][3]
Legal status and days off
The Law on Holidays in the Republic of Kazakhstan lists Independence Day on 16 December as a state holiday. It defines national and state holidays as non-working days under labour legislation, and says that if a day off coincides with a holiday, the day off moves to the next working day.[1]
The calendar date remains 16 December each year. A following day off applies when the holiday falls on a weekend; the exact arrangement can depend on the applicable work calendar.[1]
Observing the holiday
Kazakhstan’s holidays law says state holidays may be accompanied by official events. A government message about Independence Day emphasizes remembering national heroes who devoted their lives to the people’s freedom.[1][2]
The statutory non-working status is the practical point to plan around. Check opening hours with the individual provider before making plans.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Independence Day in Kazakhstan?
Is Independence Day a day off work?
Yes. Kazakhstan’s holidays law identifies it as a state holiday and provides that state holidays are non-working days under labour legislation.[1]
What happens when 16 December falls on a weekend?
The law says a day off that coincides with a holiday moves to the next working day. Check the applicable work calendar for the specific arrangement.[1]
Are shops, banks and public transport open?
Check locally for the holiday schedules of shops, banks and public transport.
Sources and references
Sources used for Independence Day in Kazakhstan:
- On Holidays in the Republic of Kazakhstan- Adilet Legal Information System, Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- С Днём Независимости Республики Казахстан!- Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Kazakhstan celebrates Republic Day- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan