ASTANA – On May 1, the people of Kazakhstan celebrated People’s Unity Day, which was created to mark the friendship and unity among the 130 ethnicities living in the country.
The celebrations started early in Astana with events in many of the capital’s main squares, including public areas near the Baiterek Tower, in front of the city municipal building and on the Yessil River embankment. The public also gathered in city parks.
More than 35 formal celebration events were held in Astana. The heart of the events was in Kazakh Yeli square, where ethnocultural associations and a variety of artists and musical bands performed and gave presentations. Concerts were held almost non-stop from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The occasion also allowed for the unveiling of the new Atameken Kazakhstan map, which showcases new buildings and architectural structures in Kazakh cities.
Kazakhstan is a multi-ethnic nation and the holiday has been celebrated since 1996. President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed the decree “About Declaration of May 1 as Kazakhstan People’s Unity Day” on Oct. 18, 1996. On Dec. 13, 2001, the Law “On Holidays in the Republic of Kazakhstan” elevated Kazakhstan People’s Unity Day to an official state holiday.
