After gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Askar Akayev became President.
In 2005, a popular uprising known as the “Tulip Revolution”, forced President Akayev’s resignation in April of that year. Opposition leaders formed a coalition, and a new government was formed under President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.
On April 6th 2010, civil unrest broke out in the town of Talas after a demonstration against government corruption and increased living expenses.
On April 7th 2010, the unrest had spread and mass anti-government protests in Bishkek turned violent, with over 84 people being killed and many hundreds injured in clashes with security forces.
A transition government took control and Bakiev fled the country soon afterwards.
The day has been a public holiday since 2016.
To mark the events of 2010, hundreds of people attend a special ceremony at a memorial site near Bishkek, including top government officials and the relatives of victims who died during the revolution. People laid wreaths and flowers and held prayers for the deceased.