On December 16, 1991, the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Kazakhstan adopted a law on the independence and state sovereignty of the Republic. After collapse of the USSR, the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic became the last Republic of the former Soviet Union, which proclaimed its sovereignty. The mass national celebrations are being held across the Central Asian Republic during the «Independence Day of Kazakhstan». In anticipation of the holiday, it has become a tradition to reward the outstanding citizens of Kazakhstan, the workers in the field of culture, art, sports, and politics. Moreover, often “the national amnesty” could be declared for people who were once in the conflict with the law (mostly for unintentional and minor crimes, as well as for women and juvenile offenders). The celebrations and concerts are being held in many areas of the country. Also, it has become a tradition to launch the fireworks in honor of the acquisition of independence. December 16 and 17 proclaimed as public holidays in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Source: wikipedia.org