Day of the People's April Revolution in 2025

When is the Day of People's April Revolution?

The Day of People's April Revolution is a national holiday in the Kyrgyz Republic on April 7th each year.

This holiday marks the anniversary of the Kyrgyz Revolution of 2010 that ousted authoritarian President Kurmanbek Bakiev.

History of the Day of People's April Revolution

After gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Askar Akayev became President. 

In 2005, a popular uprising known as the "Tulip Revolution", forced President Akayev's resignation in April of that year. Opposition leaders formed a coalition, and a new government was formed under President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.

On April 6th 2010, civil unrest broke out in the town of Talas after a demonstration against government corruption and increased living expenses.

On April 7th 2010, the unrest had spread and mass anti-government protests in Bishkek turned violent, with over 84 people being killed and many hundreds injured in clashes with security forces.

A transition government took control and Bakiev fled the country soon afterwards. 

The day has been a public holiday since 2016.

To mark the events of 2010, hundreds of people attend a special ceremony at a memorial site near Bishkek, including top government officials and the relatives of victims who died during the revolution. People laid wreaths and flowers and held prayers for the deceased.