When is Kazakhstan Constitution Day?
Constitution Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan is a national holiday celebrated annually on 30th August. If 30th August falls on a weekend, the following Monday will be a holiday.
It is one of the most important holidays in Kazakhstan and marks the adoption of the second post-soviet constitution.
History of Kazakhstan Constitution Day
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan adopted the constitutional law on the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan in December 1991.
In 1995, a second constitution was created which set out the fundamental law of the country and established the principles of an independent, secular and democratic Kazakhstan.
This constitution was adopted on 30 August 1995 following approval via a national referendum. More than eight million people took part in the national referendum.
The adoption of the constitution is seen as a key event in the modern history of Kazakhstan and a contributing factor in the country's political stability and economic growth.
The preamble of the current constitution emphasizes the importance of “freedom, equality and concord” and Kazakhstan’s role in the international community.
The Constitution was initially developed on the initiative and with the participation of former President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. It serves as a foundation for the country’s achievements in the socio-economic sphere.
The Constitution has been amended five times: in 1998, 2007, 2011, 2017 and most recently in 2022.
The most significant amendments to the Constitution were made in 2022. The proposed changes were put to a referendum, which was held on June 5th 2022. This was the first referendum since 1995 when the Constitution was initially approved.
How is Kazakhstan Constitution Day celebrated?
Constitution Day is marked with festivals, concerts, dancing and street parties across the whole of the country. Fireworks displays are common in the evening. The official events and key festivities are held in the capital, Astana.
