Kazakhstan’s First President's Day

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: Civic Historical
Where:: Kazakhstan
Date change rule:: Every December 1
Holiday emoji:: 🇰🇿

Kazakhstan’s First President’s Day honors the nation’s inaugural presidential elections held on December 1, 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. This public holiday celebrates the country’s independence and its first democratically elected leader. Reflect on Kazakhstan’s journey, explore its rich culture, and learn about its pivotal historical moments.

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Expected Kazakhstan’s First President's Day Deals

As a civic holiday in Kazakhstan, First President’s Day focuses more on national pride and remembrance than commercial deals. However, some local businesses and cultural institutions may offer special events or promotions. Government-affiliated organizations might host educational programs or open houses. Historically, institutions like the National Museum of Kazakhstan and the Astana Opera have featured special exhibits or performances. We will update this page with confirmed live events as December 1 approaches.

Platform Guide for Kazakhstan’s First President's Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #KazakhstanPresidentsDay. Share insights on Kazakhstan’s economic development and its leaders.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #KazakhstanPresidentsDay. Discuss the historical significance of the day and its impact on the region.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #KazakhstanPresidentsDay. Share stories of Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage and national achievements.

Kazakhstan’s First President's Day Hero

Nursultan Nazarbayev

Nursultan Nazarbayev served as the first President of Kazakhstan from 1990 to 2019, leading the nation through its transition from a Soviet republic to an independent state. He oversaw the establishment of key government institutions, economic reforms, and the relocation of the capital to Astana (now Nur-Sultan). His leadership shaped the country's early post-independence policies and international relations.

History of Kazakhstan’s First President's Day

The official name of the holiday is the Day of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and it is in remembrance of the country’s first presidential elections after the fall of the Soviet Union, and also in honor of Kazakhstan’s first-ever President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, for his contributions to the development and stability of the country.

Nazarbayev’s three decades’ long term as president was made possible when the nation’s parliament deemed it fit to adjust the constitution of the country that forbade any president from serving more than two five-year terms in office, to allow him to stay for as long as he wishes because of his tremendous contribution to the progress and development of Kazakhstan. And although the day was instituted in December 2011, not until the following year was it first celebrated countrywide.

According to history, after the Soviet Union broke up and Kazakhstan became the last Soviet Socialist Republic to declare its independence, the country proceeded to elect Nursultan Nazarbayev (a recognized leader who had already been in government since 1989) as its first president, with the vision to move the country toward a bright future of economic prosperity.

Usually, to kickstart the event, since First President’s Day is a major holiday celebrated in the country, fireworks are shot into the sky and a documentary of Nursultan Nazarbayev would usually be televised.

Kazakhstan’s First President's Day timeline

1940

Nazarbayev is Born

Nursultan Nazarbayev is born in Chemolgan, a rural town near Almaty.

1962

Nazarbayev Joins the Communist Party

Nazarbayev joins the Communist Party as a stranger in politics, in 1962, before moving on to becoming a prominent member of the party, until his election as president.

1990

Break-Out of the Soviet Union

Kazakhstan declares its sovereignty on its territory as a republic within the Soviet Union, on October 25, 1990, and after a failed coup to overthrow the Soviet leader in Moscow in 1991, the country declares its total independence.

2012

First President’s Day Celebration

Kazakhstan’s First President’s Day is instituted in December 2011 and is first celebrated countrywide in 2012.

Kazakhstan’s First President's Day FAQs

When is Kazakhstan's First President's Day?

Kazakhstan’s First President’s Day in 2026 falls on Tuesday, December 1, commemorating the first presidential elections after the fall of the Soviet Union. This national holiday marks a pivotal moment in the country’s history.

Who was Kazakhstan's first president?

Nursultan Nazarbayev was Kazakhstan’s first president, elected on December 1, 1991. He led the country for nearly three decades, overseeing its transition to an independent nation and establishing its modern political and economic framework.

Is First President's Day a public holiday in Kazakhstan?

Yes, Kazakhstan’s First President’s Day is a government-declared public holiday. If December 1 falls on a weekend, the observance is typically moved to the next working day, ensuring widespread recognition and celebration across the country.

Why is December 1 chosen for First President's Day?

December 1 was chosen for First President’s Day to commemorate the first nationwide presidential elections held on that date in 1991. This event marked a crucial step in Kazakhstan’s establishment as a sovereign, independent state.

How To Observe First President's Day

Join the fireworks display
There’s no better way to feel the same joy Kazakhs feel on this day than to join in on the large fireworks that’s usually on display throughout the country. Witness Kazakhs demonstrate their love for their country.
Watch historical documentaries
Documentaries are a great way to see how events played out in the past. Watch one of several documentaries detailing events around Kazakhstan’s independence, its elections, and its subsequent declaration of a day to celebrate its first president.
Talk about it on social media
Share the findings and opinions you have about the day on social media to boost awareness and generate discussion. Use the hashtags #FirstPresidentDay #PresidentsDay.

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Nursultan Nazarbayev And First President's Day

He was in leadership before the election
Nursultan Nazarbayev had been the leader of Kazakhstan since 1989 when he was named First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Kazakh S.S.R.
He voluntarily resigned
Kazakhstan’s First President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, announced he was stepping down from the post he had held ever since the country gained its independence, just three months after a previous First President’s Day celebration.
There is usually an elaborate celebration
As part of the festivities, there’s usually a fireworks show and live broadcast of a short documentary featuring rare archive photos from Nazarbayev’s years in office.
His first election victory was a landslide
In Kazakhstan’s first-ever presidential election, Nursultan Nazarbayev was elected as president, after garnering over 78% of votes cast.
The constitution was amended for him
Although the constitution of Kazakhstan states that the president should only serve a maximum of two five years' terms, in 2007, the Parliament of Kazakhstan approved a constitutional amendment that allowed only Nazarbayev to serve for as long as he wanted.

Why First President's Day Is Important

Highlights the impacts of historical events
First President’s day is an opportunity for us to learn about moments in history that shaped Kazakhstan. Celebration of the day highlights the people, places, and events that form the fabric of the country.
Helps recognize the role of past leaders
Presidents play crucial roles in the development of policies, and they oversee the executions of nationwide initiatives that are usually meant to improve the people's standard of living. First President's Day helps us recognize these and many other contributions successive presidents have made to the country's growth and development.
Sharpens our knowledge of Kazakhstan history
Yes! Since First President's Day serves to honor and highlight the contribution of Nursultan Nazarbayev and even his successors, it encourages us to further learn about past events that have defined the country and sharpen our knowledge of history.