Kurban Ait and May Holidays: When Will Kazakhstanis Rest?

This May is set to be a record-breaking month for holidays in Kazakhstan. Thanks to a strategic blend of public holidays and weekend shifts, citizens will enjoy between 11 and 14 days of rest (depending on their specific work schedules).

Three major national and state holidays are observed this month:

• May 1st – Kazakhstan People’s Unity Day (Wednesday);

• May 7th – Defender of the Fatherland Day (Tuesday);

• May 9th – Victory Day (Thursday).

In accordance with current legislation, when a holiday falls on a weekend or to optimize the work week, the following adjustments apply:

1. Victory Day Weekend: Although May 9th falls mid-week, it bridges toward the following Saturday and Sunday. To optimize working hours, specific adjustments may be made to the days between the holiday and the weekend.

2. Monday Transfer: If a holiday falls on a Saturday (as Victory Day might in certain calendar cycles), the day off is transferred to the following Monday, May 11th. This provides a consecutive 3-day break in the middle of the month.

The highlight of this year's May calendar is the timing of the religious holiday. According to preliminary forecasts, the first day of Kurban Ait falls on May 27th (Wednesday).

With four shortened work weeks in a row, May 2026 offers an excellent opportunity to boost productivity through rest and spend quality time with family. It is highly recommended to start planning your vacation or travel now.