The Independence Day of Kyrgyzstan is the main state holiday in Kyrgyzstan. It is celebrated in Kyrgyzstan annually on August 31, the anniversary of its declaration of independence in 1991.
History
On August 31, 1991, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan adopted a law on the "Declaration on State Independence of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan". Because of this, the Kyrgyz Republic was declared an independent state. Kyrgyzstan officially adhered to the principles of international law, and cooperation between peoples.In 1993, the first constitution was adopted, which has changed several times in 20 years. In the years since independence, Kyrgyzstan has had two revolutions, each putting the first two Presidents of Kyrgyzstan in exile in Russia and Belarus respectively.
Annual mass event
Annually, a mass cultural event is held on Ala-Too Square, which is attended by thousands of spectators as well as high ranking politicians. It is held in the presence of the President of Kyrgyzstan, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Supreme Council, and Mayor of Bishkek as well as other politicians from the Supreme Council and former presidents and prime ministers. Normally, a theatrical prologue of historical figures who contributed to the establishment of Kyrgyz statehood is shown. The president usually delivers a speech to those present after the entrance of the National colours and the performance of the Mamlekettik Gimni by a choir and symphonic orchestra. Kyrgyz pop stars as well as traditional dance ensembles perform during this event.
A military parade on August 31 is held every 5 years in Bishkek on Ala-Too Square in honor of Independence Day. Smaller military parades are also held in other cities in Kyrgyzstan. The parade commander gives the order to commence the parade of the Bishkek Garrison at 10:00 am. The Minister of Defense arrives on the square and is greeted by the parade commander, who informs the minister that the parade is now ready for inspection. The minister then inspects the troops on the square in the following manner: After he inspects the troops and disembarks from the vehicle and reports to the President of Kyrgyzstan in their position as Commander in Chief on the status of the parade. After this is done, the president delivers an address on the holiday. After the speech, the Mamlekettik Gimni is performed by the Band of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Kyrgyzstan. After the performance of the national anthem, the commander of the parade gives the command to begin the parade. The parade formations and military equipment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan then march on the square, saluting to their Commander in Chief as they march past the central tribune.
Other events are sometimes timed to coincide with the celebration of Independence Day. In 2019, an equestrian games in the Issyk-Kul Region took place on the days leading up to Independence Day. Sporting events such as soccer games, swimming competitions and traditional mass games are also held. In 2012, President Almazbek Atambayev attended the opening ceremony of a larger flagpole with the State Flag on Boz-Boltok Mountain in Alamüdün, a town and northern suburb of Bishkek in the Chuy Region. The year before, a statue of Manas was installed on Ala-Too Square.
During a speech by her President Atambayev at on Independence Day in 2016, his predecessor Roza Otunbayeva wallked off the stage after Atamabyev repeatedly criticized her government, saying: "If you have already forgotten Roza Isakovna , then we well remember, what chaos there was after the adoption of the new constitution.
