Each year on the third Sunday of July, metallurgists — professionals whose work demands high skill, responsibility, and endurance — celebrate their professional holiday. In 2026, the date falls on July 19, reports the website infohub.kz.
The holiday was officially established on September 28, 1957, by a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Its creation recognized the enormous contribution of metallurgical industry workers to the victory in the Great Patriotic War and the post-war economic recovery.
Later, the holiday's status was reaffirmed by new decrees of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR in 1980 and 1988. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Metallurgist Day remained on the calendars of many countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, and others.
In Kazakhstan, Metallurgist Day was officially established by a decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2003, preserving the historical celebration date — the third Sunday of July.
The development of Kazakhstan's metallurgy began during the Soviet era. One of the key milestones was the start of pig iron production at the Temirtau Metallurgical Plant in 1960. Since then, the industry has grown significantly and now holds a leading position in the republic's economy.
Kazakhstan's modern metallurgical industry boasts a strong raw material base and an extensive network of mining and metallurgical enterprises. Thanks to its rich mineral resources, the country is among the world leaders in the mining sector and plays a vital role in the international metals market.
Alongside ferrous metallurgy, Kazakhstan is actively developing non-ferrous metallurgy. The republic produces and exports copper, aluminum, zinc, lead, titanium, magnesium, manganese, tungsten, as well as precious metals — gold and silver. Products from Kazakhstani enterprises are in demand both domestically and abroad.
July 19 also marks several interesting holidays worldwide. Raspberry Jam Pie Day is one of the coziest culinary celebrations. It began in 2015 in Russia and has since gained popularity. The main idea is to bring warmth to oneself and loved ones: bake fragrant homemade pies, gather around the family table, and enjoy the taste of summer.
Children's Day in Panama falls on the third Sunday of July. For Panamanian families, it is a special holiday when children receive maximum attention. Traditionally, kids get to feel like adults for a day by taking on their roles and responsibilities, while adults strive to make the day truly unforgettable.
Heaven Worship Day (Tiankuang Festival) in China is observed on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month. The festival is dedicated to Heaven and is filled with traditions of gratitude and prayer. Families gather for festive meals, prepare national dishes, and perform rituals with incense and paper offerings to pay homage to higher powers.
Women Ministers' Day in Japan is an unofficial date honoring women who have achieved success in politics and governance. The day symbolizes recognition of the contributions of female leaders and serves as a reminder of the importance of equal opportunities in public and political life.