Astana guide for foreigners » Culture

Kazakhstani People’s Unity Day

admin — Fri, 07 May 2010 18:03:05 +0000

Kazakhstan is a unique country as far as its people are concerned. There are more than 120 nationalitites living in the country who preach more than 40 religions. Just like the USA, Kazakhstan can be called a melting pot, because all the people live together in peace and learn a lot from each other. May, 1st is a national holiday in Kazakhstan.

: Foreigners in Kazakhstan

How come there are so many nationalities in Kazakhstan? There are people who were deported in Kazakhstan in the 20th century, among them there are Germans, Polish, Ukranians, Belorussians etc. Now these people are of course free to choose their country, and many have left (mostly Germans), but there are many people who have stayed, believing that Kazakhstan is their motherland and not wanting to live anywhere else.

All the nationalities are equal, we all have the same rights as the native Kazakhs. Several years ago the 1stMay was announced a national holiday, Kazakhstani People’s Unity Day and there was erected a monument that is located in the center of the Old city, near the Youth Palace on the Republic Avenue. The monument symbolises the unity, which can be seen on the photo.

Happy Kazakhstani People’s Unity Day!

International Women’s Day

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:04:26 +0000

If you happen to be in Kazakhstan (or in any CIS country for that matter) on the 8^th of March, you should not forget to wish a Happy Women’s Day to all the women you know.

Women's day

This day is a big day on every woman’s calendar, as well as on every man’s. This is always a day off and you can feel the presence of the holiday couple days in advance. Men are trying to get the best flowers while running from ome store to another trying to get the best presents as well. All girls, mothers and wives get lots of attention from their men (at least they are supposed to do so), and they also congratulate one another. Men do their best to impress their beloved: they clean the house, they cook, they say all the nice words. Most of women wish there were several Women’s Day in the year…

So let me say it again: if you know any woman in Kazakhstan (even if yourself are not in Kazakhstan yet or anymore) it would be nice to call or to send a message and wish a Happy Women’s Day. In Russian you would say “Поздравляю с 8 Марта!“ (Pozdravlyayu s vosmym marta!)You can even say it to those women that you don’t personally know but which you meet on that day, be it your neighbour, landlady or shop assistant. You should also follow the main rule of the day: worship a Woman!

New Year in Kazakhstan

admin — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:23:36 +0000

Happy New Year my dear readers!

If you come from a non-CIS country, you are probably experiencing something new while celebrating New Year in Kazakhstan. This is really the most favourite and most desirable holiday in the year. People start to plan it a month in advance: what they are going to wear, where they want to celebrate, what kind of gifts they are going to buy…

Kazakhstan is a secular country, so Christmas (the one that is on the 25^th of December) is not an official holiday, this is why you shouldn’t be expecting anything special on that day. As for New Year eve…you will see it for yourself. This is a crazy night! Noone gets to sleep, people have fun with their friends (eventhough New Year is regarded as a family holiday) and look forward to „a new happyness“.

I wouldn’t advise you to go out on the 31^st of December especially if you don’t have a reliable company, since it can be pretty dangerous for you (or for anybody in that case) because of numerous drunk people.

I think you may also want to know what’s Russian for „Happy New Year“:

S Novym Godom!

May this year be full of joy, success and love!