| Naurysz, which means "new days," is Kazakhstan's
biggest public holiday. For two days in late March, people take a holiday
from work. They celebrate the coming of spring. Festive foods include a
sugared wheat porridge just for women called sumalakh and cinnamon-spiced
veal called khalem for men. People play games, and attend parties
and colourful festivals of music, art and drama.
Kazakhstanis set aside a special day to show
how much they appreciate women and the work they do. On International Women's
Day, the streets are decorated with tulips and men give women bouquets
of flowers. This is a day off work for everyone, especially women. Men
take care of household tasks for the day. |
|
| The Day of the Republic commemorates Kazakhstan's
decision to declare its independence in October 1991 and Independence Day
marks the day on which Kazakhstan officially became independent. Businesses
and school are closed on these days. People come to the main squares in
villages and cities to enjoy music, dancing, athletic contests and festive
food. On these holidays, Kazakh women may wear traditional clothing: a
long dress with a high collar, a bright velvet vest, some heavy jewellery
and perhaps a headdress decorated with fur and plumes. Men may wear robes
and a skullcap or tall, tasselled felt hat. |
|
Did you know? |
| During
Naurysz, the celebration of spring, people set up traditional tents
in towns and cities. They are a reminder of Kazakhstan's ancient nomadic
heritage. |
|
|
Muslim Kazakhstanis celebrate the traditional
holidays of Eid-al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan and Eid-al-Adha,
which commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son to God.
Christian Kazakhstanis ring in the New Year with a decorated tree and presents
followed by late-night parties. They celebrate Christmas quietly on January
7, because the Orthodox church follows the Julian calendar, which is 13
days behind the Gregorian calendar used by other Christian denominations.
| January 1 |
New Year's
Day |
| March 8 |
International
Women's Day |
| March 21 and
22 |
Naurysz,
celebration of the spring equinox |
| May 1 |
Unity of
Kazakhstani People Day |
| May 9 |
Victory Day
(the end of the Second World War) |
| October 25 |
Day of the
Republic |
| December 16 |
Independence
Day |
|
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