NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan on Wednesday officially changed its Republic Day, moving it from Dec. 16 to Oct. 25, with the previous day honoring the sacrifices of the country's heroes.

The decision was taken by parliament after adopting a bill declaring Oct. 25 as Republic Day.

Kazakhstan's Culture Minister Dauren Abaev announced that Republic Day will be declared a public holiday and that the country's independence festivities will now take place on this date.

Meanwhile, the previous independence day, Dec. 16, will commemorate the sacrifices of the national heroes who fought for the country.

Oct. 25 was celebrated as an official holiday until 2009. Then-President Nursultan Nazarbayev removed the day from the official holidays’ calendar.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar