ASTANA – Kazakhstan celebrated Republic Day on October 25, a significant occasion that commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Kazakh SSR in 1990, which was the nation’s precursor to independence.
Citizens from Astana, Almaty, regional centers, and embassies worldwide convened to commemorate the nation’s accomplishments, cultural pride, and national unity. Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports on the festivities.
In his Republic Day address, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underscored Kazakhstan’s vision for the future and resilience, asserting, “We look ahead with confidence and build Just and Fair Kazakhstan for the benefit of future generations. What our country will be like tomorrow depends on each of us! I am confident that all our citizens are aware of this great responsibility and will contribute to strengthening our statehood.”
Tokayev conducted a symbolic National Flag-raising ceremony at the Presidential Residence later in the day. The Guard of Honor Company saluted and the national anthem reverberated throughout the square.
Overflowing Festivities
The capital city of Astana was overflowing with festivities as it hosted more than 100 Republic Day events. Large audiences attended the photo exhibition “One Hundred Bright Faces of Astana” at Khan Shatyr Shopping and Entertainment Center. The exhibition showcased 100 images of residents who have made substantial contributions to the city, commending those who have held positions in urban planning, public service, and sanitation. The capital’s festive ambiance was enhanced by a variety of cultural performances, athletics competitions, art exhibitions, and concerts that took place throughout the week.
The celebrations were also strongly characterized by community support. Several local heroes, veterans, community workers, and citizens who have demonstrated valor or contributed to the nation’s well-being were publicly honored, and more than 1,000 food baskets were distributed to vulnerable citizens.
The festivities began on October 23 in the capital, Astana, with over 100 cultural, educational, and sports events taking place. These events reached beyond main city sites, extending into neighborhoods, schools, and other community spaces, creating accessible and enjoyable celebrations for all. From concerts and car rallies to exhibitions and children’s excursions, the variety of activities emphasized inclusivity and community spirit, meanwhile, Almaty, Kazakhstan’s southern hub and largest city, hosted an impressive array of international festivals, art performances, and exhibitions. Residents and visitors gathered to celebrate Kazakh culture through shared experiences, underscoring the holiday’s spirit of unity.
This year’s Republic Day holds particular significance, as it was recently revived by President Tokayev at the first National Kurultai (Congress) in June, after not being celebrated since 2009.
The Declaration of Sovereignty established key principles for the new republic, including unity, territorial integrity, and cultural revival. It emphasized the importance of national identity, political pluralism, and equal opportunities for all citizens, as well as defining a division of power across the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with the President as the head of executive authority.
Since declaring its independence, Kazakhstan has been a strong advocate for non-proliferation, disarmament, and global dialogue, contributing actively to international peace and security. Today, Kazakhstan ranks as the world’s tenth-largest crude oil exporter and holds the 15th-largest proven natural gas reserves. It also possesses the largest liquid hydrocarbon deposits among post-Soviet countries after Russia.
Many events happened during this event as: “Shamshi” musical on Oct. 25, in Musical Theater of the Young Spectator and musical drama “Gauhartas” Musical on Oct. 26-27, and “The Heritage of the Great Steppe” ballet on Oct. 25
Inside and outside Kazakhstan
Republic Day was celebrated not only within the country, but also by Kazakhstan’s embassies around the world through cultural events, receptions and meetings. The Kazakh Embassy in Turkiye hosted a reception for approximately 1,000 visitors, which included government representatives, prominent intellectuals, and diplomats. The concert program, which celebrated Kazakh culture and demonstrated the strength of the Kazakh-Turkish relationship, was relished by attendees, who also sampled traditional Kazakh dishes.
Congratulations were also extended by distinguished foreign leaders. The British Embassy’s Instagram account posted a message from King Charles III of the United Kingdom, conveying his sincere regards to President Tokayev and the people of Kazakhstan.
Further east, members of the Kazakh diaspora, local officials, and representatives from the United Nations and the New York Mayor’s Office convened in New York for a flag-raising ceremony in the city’s historic district. Additionally, the Kazakh Embassy in Beijing organized a children’s chess tournament to mark the occasion, awarding winners with diplomas and commemorative prizes for their achievements.
Celebrating at home & globally
The evening’s festivities concluded with a spectacular pyrotechnics display that illuminated the sky with 2,500 bursts of light. The sponsorship-organized four-minute display covered a 150-meter span and reached heights of 30 to 250 meters. The occasion was commemorated by more than 10,000 attendees, who converged to witness the event.
Meanwhile in Almaty, akim Yerbolat Dossayev, local officials, deputies, and representatives of youth organizations attended the National Flag-raising ceremony at Almaty’s iconic Medeu ice arena.
This day was especially significant for World War II veteran Kambar Sarsenov, who celebrated his 100th birthday on Republic Day. Almaty’s military officials paid tribute to him for his prolonged service by awarding him a special tribute from the Military-Engineering Institute of Radioelectronics and Communications.
Furthermore, Almaty’s II International Puppet Festival, which took place from October 21 to 24, provided entertainment for thousands of attendees. Artists from Kazakhstan, Poland, China, Turkey, and other countries showcased their most exceptional puppet performances. The Alakai theater of Kazakhstan was awarded the festival’s most prestigious distinction, the Grand Prix, for their emotionally moving production of The Generous Tree.
Almaty closed its Republic Day celebrations with a spectacular drone show at Abai Square by the Palace of the Republic and Astana Square near KBTU, drawing thousands of residents and visitors. Over 500 drones synchronized in flight to create 3D visuals of Kazakh cultural elements and historic moments, all set to a musical backdrop.
In other cities of Kazakhstan, environmental and public initiatives dedicated to Republic Day were implemented. As part of the Taza Qazaqstan initiative, residents of Turkestan came together with the region’s akim, Darkhan Satybaldy, to plant 100 trees. Meanwhile, a large-scale volunteer campaign involving 200 people was held in the Abay district, which included planting trees and cleaning the environment.
Aktobe commemorated Republic Day by inaugurating a new school that accommodates 371 students, a significant achievement for the Kyzylzhar residential area. Furthermore, the Modernizing Rural Healthcare initiative has initiated the operation of new medical facilities in the villages of the Abai region, which are responsible for the provision of essential healthcare services.
Great Developments
Kazakhstan entered the global oil market in 1993 through an agreement with Chevron to create Tengizchevroil, a major oil-production venture operating near the Caspian Sea. In 1997, it furthered its international partnerships by signing a production-sharing agreement with seven major global companies, including Agip, British Gas, and Shell.
Kazakhstan is an active member of international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Notably, it became the first Central Asian country elected to serve a two-year term on the UN Security Council, contributing to international peace and security.
Today, Kazakhstan is home to over 20.6 million people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, with ethnic Kazakhs making up about 71 percent of the population. The country also includes significant communities of Russians, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Tatars, Germans, Koreans, Azerbaijanis, and other minorities.
