On October 25, the country will celebrate one of its main holidays – Republic Day. The Astana Opera’s artists eagerly await it along with all Kazakhs. The opera house’s principal soloists shared how they celebrate this important date.
As a reminder, last year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took the initiative to restore the status of Republic Day as a national holiday, and the date October 25 was included in the list of Kazakhstan's holidays as Republic Day.
Madina Unerbayeva, the Astana Opera’s principal dancer, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan:
“Republic Day is a very important holiday for our people. On October 25, 1990, a declaration on state sovereignty of the Kazakh SSR was adopted. From that moment on, Kazakhstan was recognized as a separate, independent state. This is our history, which everyone, especially the younger generation, needs to know. Indeed, the atmosphere of each holiday is different, for example, in anticipation of Republic Day, I personally feel great pride for our country. Gradually, we are forming traditions for celebrating this date. We invite friends and family to visit, remember significant historical events, in the evening we attend concerts that take place on this day, or we ourselves become participants in festive musical evenings. I am very glad that my family and I live in an independent state, that I have an opportunity to educate my children in all aspects as well-rounded individuals, and that all conditions for creative work have been provided for us in our country. I always tell my children that we must appreciate what we have, maintain the country’s stability and inseparability, and this is only possible if we are united. I congratulate everyone on Republic Day and wish good health and prosperity to all Kazakhs.”
Zhanat Shybykbayev, the Astana Opera’s principal soloist, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan:
“The historical date of October 25 is well known to the older generation. Although in some years Republic Day was not marked as a day off in the calendar, the thought that “it is a very important date” has always been in our minds. Last year, when our President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took the initiative to return Republic Day to the status of a national holiday, we were all truly happy. It is a pleasure to see people in high spirits on this day, with everyone happy and cheerful. Certainly, we, artists, also join in the general celebration and sing praises to our country from the stage. For me, as an opera singer, there is no greater happiness than seeing joy in the eyes of fellow Kazakh citizens. At all times, culture and art have been considered an important part of people’s lives, so cultural figures will continue to work tirelessly to give the joy of creativity to their compatriots and bring glory to our country on the world stage. I sincerely congratulate everyone on the upcoming Republic Day. May happiness and love reign in every home, may the achievements of our people increase, and may our skies always be clear.”