Public Holidays in Kyrgyzstan

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Public Holidays in Kyrgyzstan

Date Holiday Date Holiday
Jan 1 New Year May 5 Constitution Day
Jan 7 Eastern Orthodox Christmas May 9 Victory Day
February 23 Fatherland Defender’s Day Date changes annually Orozo Ait (Eid al-Fitr)
March 8 International Women’s Day Date changes annually Kurban Ait (Eid al-Adha)
March 21 Nowruz Bairamy August 31 Independence Day
April 7 Day of the People’s April Revolution November 7-8 Days of History and Memory of Ancestors
May 1 Labor Day    

Kyrgyzstan’s holiday calendar features a mix of international celebrations, Soviet-era commemorations, and post-independence observances. While major holidays might lead to closures in some businesses, visitors generally won’t face significant disruptions. However, it’s advisable to check the operating hours of border stations and government offices in advance to avoid any inconveniences.

Dec 31 - Jan 1, New Year

In Kyrgyzstan, New Year’s festivities kick off on December 31, echoing traditions from other post-Soviet countries. This celebration, which began during the Soviet era, has become a cherished part of Kyrgyz culture. Festivities are vibrant, with homes decorated for the occasion, elaborate feasts prepared, and presents exchanged. The New Year’s Eve table typically features a variety of traditional dishes like Beshbarmak, Manti, and Chuchuk, alongside Russian salad and Soviet-style pickles. Fresh and dried fruits are also essential components of the feast. The celebration often starts around 8:00 PM on December 31 and continues until 2-3 AM on January 1. During this time, families exchange congratulations and gifts, and Azay Ata (the Kyrgyz equivalent of Santa Claus) adds a touch of magic for children.

At midnight, the President delivers a congratulatory speech, and everyone steps outside to enjoy the fireworks. The main square in the capital becomes a gathering spot for people to share in the New Year’s joy.

January 7: Eastern Orthodox Christmas

On January 7, Kyrgyzstan’s Orthodox Christian community, numbering around one million, celebrates Christmas. The Bishop of Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan offers greetings from the Holy Resurrection Cathedral in Bishkek. The celebration mirrors that of other Orthodox Christian nations: following church services, families and friends gather to continue the festivities at home. The Christmas table is traditionally laden with Kutia, a ceremonial dish made from wheat, nuts, honey, dried fruits, and poppy seeds.

February 23: Fatherland Defender’s Day

Fatherland Defender’s Day, observed on February 23, is popularly known as Men’s Day in Kyrgyzstan. Although this holiday originated during the Soviet era, it remains widely celebrated even after the Soviet Union’s dissolution. While there are no large-scale public events, educational institutions and workplaces take the opportunity to honor men with gifts and festive gatherings.

March 8, International Women's Day

International Women’s Day on March 8 is celebrated with enthusiasm in Kyrgyzstan. On this day, men often shower women with flowers and gifts. Male colleagues prepare special tables for their female counterparts, featuring an array of delicious dishes, sweets, flowers, and presents.

While the day originally focused on combating gender discrimination, it has evolved into a celebration of spring and an opportunity to acknowledge the beauty and significance of women in every family.

March 21, Nowruz Bairamy

Nowruz, also known as Nauryz, Navruz, or Nooruz, is a celebration of the vernal equinox, marking the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Officially recognized as a national holiday in Kyrgyzstan on February 5, 1991, Nowruz has transitioned from a time when it was neither celebrated nor banned during Soviet times to a vibrant festivity. Today, Kyrgyzstan observes Nowruz with lively theatrical performances, concerts, and traditional nomadic horse games such as Kok Boru, also referred to as Ulak Tartysh, held at the hippodrome.

The centerpiece of Nowruz celebrations is Sumolok, a sweet paste made from germinated wheat. Preparing Sumolok is considered almost a sacred ritual, taking up to a week. The process involves soaking the wheat for several days, followed by a lengthy cooking session that lasts from evening until morning. This communal activity involves neighbors and relatives, with folk songs and legends filling the air throughout the night. The paste is enriched with flour, dried apricots, raisins, and walnuts, with the belief that finding a walnut in your serving will make your wish come true.

April 7: Day of the People's April Revolution

Day of the People’s April Revolution, observed on April 7, is a public holiday established in 2016 to honor the Kyrgyz Revolution of 2010. The day is marked by both commemorative and somber events across the country, remembering the over 80 lives lost in the fight for freedom and democracy. Tributes are paid with floral offerings at the memorial monument, and the main ceremonies take place at Ala-Too Square.

May 1: Labor Day

Day of the People’s April Revolution, observed on April 7, is a public holiday established in 2016 to honor the Kyrgyz Revolution of 2010. The day is marked by both commemorative and somber events across the country, remembering the over 80 lives lost in the fight for freedom and democracy. Tributes are paid with floral offerings at the memorial monument, and the main ceremonies take place at Ala-Too Square.

May 5: Constitution Day

Constitution Day, celebrated annually on May 5 since 1993, marks the adoption of the Kyrgyz Republic’s Constitution. This date signifies the transition from the Kyrgyz SSR’s 1978 Constitution to the new, modern framework, reflecting Kyrgyzstan’s first independent steps. Although there are no large-scale celebrations, the day is observed as a time for relaxation and family gatherings, following the country’s shift to a parliamentary system with a new constitution in June 2010.

May 9: Victory Day

Victory Day, observed every year on May 9, commemorates the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. The day is marked by solemn ceremonies and public gatherings. Flowers are laid at the Eternal Flame on Victory Square, followed by a minute of silence and a three-gun salute by the honor guard. The President and Great Patriotic War veterans attend, and an exhibition of military equipment is displayed nearby. The day also features marches where people carry portraits of their war-deceased relatives, culminating in a concert and fireworks to celebrate the historic victory.

Orozo Ait and Kurban Ait (date varies annually)

Orozo Ait and Kurban Ait are significant Islamic holidays celebrated each year, with their dates determined by the lunar calendar. Orozo Ait, also known as Eid al-Fitr, marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. During Ramadan, many businesses and restaurants adjust their hours, often opening only for dinner, although numerous establishments remain open throughout the day.

Kurban Ait, or Eid al-Adha, is a time for prayers, reflection, and family gatherings. It is known as the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.

August 31: Independence Day

Independence Day, celebrated on August 31, commemorates Kyrgyzstan’s declaration of independence in 1991. The day is marked by vibrant festivities held in the capital’s main square, with participation from the President and other prominent figures. The celebrations include equestrian games at the hippodrome and diverse performances by artists across Bishkek’s parks. The day concludes with a grand gala concert and spectacular fireworks, celebrating the nation’s sovereignty and independence.

November 7-8: Days of History and Memory of Ancestors

The Days of History and Memory of Ancestors, observed on November 7-8, became official non-working days starting October 26, 2017. This designation replaced the former October Socialist Revolution Day. During these days, the President and government officials lay flowers at the Ata-Beyit memorial complex, a site established in 2000 by Kyrgyzstan’s first President, Askar Akayev, to honor victims of Stalinist repression. The memorial now commemorates the deaths of 137 notable Kyrgyz figures, including the esteemed writer Chingiz Aitmatov, who was laid to rest there in 2008.

Public Holidays