- Categories:
- Federal
- Tags:
- CivicCulturalFestivities
- Where:
- Kazakhstan
- Date change rule:
- Every July 6
- Holiday emoji:
- 🇰🇿
Capital City Day celebrates Kazakhstan’s vibrant capital, Astana, every July 6. This official public holiday honors the city’s unique history and its role as a national symbol. Discover how citizens across Kazakhstan mark this special day with parades, concerts, and cultural events.
Want to sponsor Capital City Day? Learn how
Expected Capital City Day Deals
Capital City Day, a significant recognition holiday in Kazakhstan, focuses on civic pride and cultural celebration rather than commercial deals. Government ministries and cultural institutions often host free concerts, art exhibitions, and public lectures highlighting the capital’s history and future. Local businesses, particularly those in Astana, may offer special promotions or themed events to engage residents. Expect public transport to be free or discounted, and museums to waive entry fees. We will update this page with confirmed public programs and civic initiatives as July 6 approaches.
Platform Guide for Capital City Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #CapitalCityDay. Share insights on urban development or the capital’s economic impact.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #CapitalCityDay. Post real-time updates from celebrations or historical facts about Astana.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CapitalCityDay. Share photos and videos of local events and family celebrations.
Capital City Day Hero
Nursultan Nazarbayev
History of Capital City Day
Capital City Day, also known as Day of Nur-Sultan (Astana), is a public holiday observed on July 6 in Kazakhstan. Capital City Day marks the transition of Kazakhstan’s capital from Almaty to Astana. In March 2019, Astana was renamed Nur-Sultan after longtime leader Nursultan Nazarbayev, who stepped down as president after 30 years in charge.
Following the fall of the Soviet Union, it was announced that the capital would be relocated to Akmola, Kazakhstan’s historical capital. As a result, on July 6, 1994, Kazakhstan’s capital was relocated from Almaty to Akmola. Akmola, which means ‘white grave’ in Kazakh, was renamed Astana on May 6, 1998, which means ‘capital city.’
On the occasion of Astana’s 10th anniversary in 2008, July 6 was declared a national holiday. Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan’s former president, was born on July 6. Nur-Sultan is Kazakhstan’s second-largest city, located in the Akmola region, yet it is administered separately from the region as the city with special capital status.
Astana began celebrating Capital City Day almost immediately after becoming its capital city, but it wasn’t until 2009 that Kazakhstan as a whole began to do so. The original date of June 10 was based on when Astana’s actual status as the capital city was enacted, whereas the new date of July 6 is based on the date of the acceptance to move the capital to Astana.
Despite its name, Capital City Day is intended to commemorate Kazakhstan’s independence and culture. The sharp contrast between Astana’s skyscrapers and the wide nomadic plains with only little settlements for hundreds of miles in every direction helps to remind you how different the country truly is.
Capital City Day timeline
On July 6, Kazakhstan's Supreme Council passes a resolution relocating the country's capital from Almaty to Akmola.
On May 6, Akmola is renamed Astana and elevated to the status of the capital city.
On July 18, the government passes a law establishing Capital Day as a state holiday.
Kazakhstan's Capital City Day is founded.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Capital City Day
Local businesses in Astana can embrace Capital City Day by decorating their premises with national symbols and offering special discounts to residents. Restaurants might feature traditional Kazakh cuisine or create themed menus inspired by the city’s diverse culture. Service providers could organize small community events or participate in city-wide celebrations, fostering a sense of civic pride and engagement among employees and customers. Highlighting the capital’s achievements and unique identity can strengthen community ties.
Capital City Day FAQs
When is Capital City Day?
Capital City Day 2026 falls on Monday, July 6, an official public holiday in Kazakhstan. It commemorates the founding and development of the nation’s capital, Astana.
How many people live in Astana?
As of early 2026, the population of Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, is estimated to be over 1.3 million people. The city has experienced rapid growth since becoming the capital, attracting residents from across the country.
What is the significance of Capital City Day?
Capital City Day is significant as it celebrates the official status and development of Astana as Kazakhstan’s capital. It symbolizes national unity and the country’s progress, marked by various cultural and public events.
Why was Kazakhstan's capital moved to Astana?
Kazakhstan’s capital was moved from Almaty to Akmola (later Astana) in 1997 due to geopolitical and economic reasons, including Almaty’s seismic vulnerability and the desire for a more centrally located capital. The resolution for the move was passed on July 6, 1994.
Capital City Day Activities
Attend a variety of events
Various cultural and public festivals, as well as athletic tournaments, are traditionally organized throughout the country. Attend one if you are in the area.
Discuss it on social media
Share your discoveries and comments about the day on social media to raise awareness and spark discussion. Make use of the proper hashtags.
Dance joyfully
The Astana Opera organizes live concerts featuring national orchestras that perform traditional music. It’s the perfect chance to soak in some good theater.
5 Fascinating Facts About Kazakhstan
The original city name
It was formerly recognized as Akmolinsk, derived directly from the Kazakh term ‘Akmola,’ which means "holy location" but translates as "white tombstone."
Transcontinental
Kazakhstan is a transcontinental territory.
Curious tales
Although they are still consumed as food, Kazakstans revere horses.
The capital
In Kazakh, Astana means "capital city."
Landlocked
Kazakhstan is entirely landlocked, which means it has no direct access to the sea.
Why We Love Capital City Day
Always have peace in mind
Kazakhstan places a strong emphasis on multi-ethnic harmony. It is an example of the ideal multicultural society that maintains peace and harmony.
Celebrating freedom
Capital City Day is also a celebration of freedom. Kazakhstan happens to be among the few post-Soviet Union territories that avoided inter-tribal conflicts.
It improves our understanding of Kazakhstan's history
Capital City Day encourages us to study more about previous events that defined the country and sharpen our understanding of its history.
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