How Will Kazakhstan Celebrate the 80th Anniversary in Astana and Almaty?

Since 2019, Kazakhstanis have grown accustomed to more modest May 7 and 9 commemorations, with Victory Day events scaled back under fiscal restraint. That’s why President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev’s recent announcement came as a surprise.

In a wide-ranging interview with Ana Tili on January 3, he confirmed that the 80th anniversary of Victory in 2025 would not be overlooked. It will be a significant part of a national program — and include a large-scale military parade in Astana.

Orda.kz has looked into the matter.

Preparations for this milestone celebration were already underway before the president’s announcement. The official government order approving the plan was signed on December 31, 2024. The Ministry of Defense has been tasked with organizing the main events, which will be in the capital.

Majilis deputy Galiaskar Sarybayev, a member of the committee organizing the 80th anniversary celebration, explained the motivation behind the government’s decision to mark the date with full honors, including a military parade.

We approved the budget last year, and the funds have already been allocated. It’s important to recognize that this date isn’t just significant for one country — it’s a moment of shared history for many nations whose fathers and grandfathers fought side by side against fascism. Today, there are only about 120 veterans of the Great Patriotic War still living in Kazakhstan, and the youngest among them is already 96. It is our responsibility to honor their sacrifice with dignity.Sarybayev said.  

Sarybayev also emphasized that commemorating Victory Day and holding a parade in Astana is essential in instilling patriotic values in the younger generation.

The events will be held not only in the capital but across the entire country. This isn’t just about money — it’s about national interest, educating our youth, and preserving the culture and traditions we have a duty to pass on to future generations. Yes, we’ve grown used to taking note of every coin, but there are times when we must think beyond the budget and focus on what truly matters,the deputy said.  

According to Sarybayev, during the difficult years of the war, Kazakhstan sheltered many people and ethnic groups who survived the evacuation, and this is also part of our shared history that must not be forgotten.

What to Expect from the May 9 Parade in Astana and Almaty

A military parade marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War will take place in Astana and is set to become one of Kazakhstan’s most significant public events in recent years. As the Ministry of Defense told Orda.kz, the parade will unfold in three main parts: first, marching columns featuring both historical and modern military units will pass through the square; then, mechanized columns will showcase historical and contemporary military equipment; and finally, the event will conclude with an aviation flyover.

This year’s parade will be rich in symbolism. Servicemen will march in uniforms from the wartime era, and for the first time, they will carry the battle flags of military units that were originally formed in Kazakhstan. Alongside this historical tribute, the parade will also feature the country’s newest military equipment and weaponry, recently acquired by the armed forces.

To ensure the celebration is accessible to all, the parade will be broadcast on LED screens nationwide. Around 4,500 people are expected to take part in the event, including approximately 250 military cadets.

Veterans of the Great Patriotic War will be honored guests at the military parade in Astana on May 9. The air segment of the event will feature an impressive 23 helicopters and 44 aircraft of various types, culminating in a grand performance by a combined military orchestra of around 300 musicians.

The Ministry of Defense has clarified that the parade will be held exclusively in the capital — no equipment processions are planned for other regions. Festivities in Astana should conclude with a celebratory fireworks display.

The government has allocated 2.5 billion tenge for the event. These funds will cover fuel, transportation, troop logistics, and the production of parade uniforms, which will be sewn by domestic manufacturers.

Alongside the parade, a series of military-patriotic events will be held, including recognition of distinguished servicemen and efforts to preserve the memory of Kazakhstanis who perished during the war.

The stories of war heroes continue to be shared in the media, and veterans are regularly acknowledged on key dates. By the 80th anniversary of Victory, 42,000 people — primarily veterans and wartime home front workers — are expected to receive commemorative medals.

Over the course of the year, around two thousand events will be held across the country to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. A festive concert, dedicated to both the anniversary and Defender of the Fatherland Day, is scheduled for May 6. The location and lineup of performers are still being finalized. In addition, the traditional “Soldier’s Porridge” campaign will take place in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and regional centers, offering visitors a chance to sample military field meals. Ceremonial troop marches are also planned in garrisons throughout Kazakhstan in honor of both Victory Day and Defender of the Fatherland Day,the Ministry of Culture reported.   

The Astana Akimat announced that during the holidays, videos marking the 80th anniversary of Victory will be displayed on several key landmarks — including the Nur Alem sphere, the Ferris wheel, the screen near the airport, and the facades of the Y. Rakhmadiyev State Academic Philharmonic and the Kazakhstan Temir Joly (KTZ) building.

While a fireworks display is not yet scheduled, the Akimat noted it may be arranged if sponsors are found.

Additionally, veterans of the Great Patriotic War in the capital will receive a one-time payment of five million tenge each.

In Almaty, the celebrations will be more modest, but the city is actively preparing for the historic milestone. A detailed event plan has been developed, and one-time financial assistance will be provided to World War II veterans and participants of military operations abroad.

The main festivities are expected to take place in the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen.

A flower-laying ceremony with the participation of veterans and local residents will open the Victory Day celebrations, followed by a military parade, a festive concert, and traditional "soldier's porridge" for attendees.

The anniversary events will conclude with a fireworks display at Astana Square. In addition, on Victory Day, the city will also be decorated with themed displays.

Educational institutions — including schools, colleges, and universities — will host conferences, meetings, “lessons of courage,” book exhibitions, and thematic military history displays featuring veterans, active service members, and respected community figures.

In Almaty, ceremonial flower-laying events will take place at monuments, busts, and memorial plaques honoring war heroes in different city districts.

Victory Day Preparations 

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the Victory Parade in Astana on May 7. The National Guard of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is gearing up for the event — polishing equipment, checking systems, and making sure every vehicle is parade-ready.

This year’s Victory Parade will feature 17 units of modern armored vehicles, including Kazakhstan’s own Barys 6x6 and Alan-2 models, as well as the Turkish-made Cobra II. A standout among them is the Ural VV, a troop transport vehicle designed to carry up to 17 soldiers and operate in high-risk conditions.

These vehicles are designed not only for transporting personnel and cargo, but also for carrying out combat missions while protecting against bullets and shrapnel,said Arsen Shaimardanov, head of the armored service.  

Each vehicle will be accompanied by a full support team — including drivers, mechanics, and medics — to ensure everything runs smoothly during the parade.

Over 400 servicemen from the National Guard will take part, including patrol and guard units, special forces from the Burkit division, and a military orchestra that will set the tone of the parade. The orchestra is also scheduled to perform four pieces from the National Guard's repertoire.

Temporary road closures are already in place across parts of the city to accommodate the transport of personnel and military equipment — some of which is arriving by rail, and some under its own power. Starting April 22, travelers may also face flight delays as rehearsals for the air show get underway.

The Ministry of Defense has confirmed that preparations for the Victory Day parade are underway. Over 170 marines from Aqtau have arrived in Astana to participate in the celebrations.

Officers, contract soldiers, and conscripts from the Marine Brigade of the regional command "West" have all made their way to the capital. 160 conscripts from the Aqtau garrison will march on Kazakh Eli Square as part of the marine contingent.

A full-scale field camp has been set up to accommodate the incoming troops at military unit 68665. The site includes more than 200 tents, a field hospital, dining facilities, mobile baths, a vehicle fleet, and repair stations — all capable of housing up to 5,000 people.

Defense Minister Ruslan Jaqsylyqov personally inspected the site, reviewing the residential and technical facilities and issuing instructions to ensure proper conditions for all participating personnel.

According to Major General Mereke Kuchekbayev, Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces, the capital is now fully prepared to receive all parade participants. Military personnel and equipment continue to arrive from across the country, with training and rehearsal sessions scheduled in the coming days.

It’s worth noting that in recent years, Kazakhstan has scaled back Victory Day celebrations.

Initially, events were canceled due to the pandemic, and later due to financial constraints. However, some experts — including Russian political exile Alexey Sakhnin — argue that the move is actually aimed at distancing the country from Russian military symbolism, which has become politically sensitive.

Political analyst Aidar Amrebayev echoes this sentiment, suggesting that May 9 should shift from a militaristic celebration to a day of remembrance. He emphasizes the need for Kazakhstan to reassess its historical narrative and develop a national identity independent of the Soviet legacy.

While some countries, like Ukraine and the Baltic states, have already redefined or even banned Victory Day celebrations, Central Asia has taken a more cautious, moderate path — seeking a balance between commemoration and national context.

Original Author: Artyom Volkov