Festival · 1 January
New Year
1 January is a public holiday: Christmas trees, holiday fairs and fireworks in the cities, family feasts at home.
Festival · Nationwide
Independence Day
1 September is Uzbekistan’s main national holiday, marking the declaration of independence on 31 August 1991 — concerts and fireworks.
History
Uzbekistan declared its state independence on 31 August 1991, and 1 September is celebrated every year as the country’s main national holiday and a day off. 31 August is also observed as the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Repression.
In 2026 the holiday brought days off on 31 August and 1 September.
How it is celebrated
Tashkent and the regional capitals host concerts, competitions, official ceremonies and wreath-laying, and fireworks light up the evening sky. Streets are hung with flags, and mahallas hold hashar clean-ups beforehand. For travellers: government offices close, events may close central streets to traffic, and hotels and tickets sell out quickly.
Sources (3)
Festival · 14 January
Defenders of the Motherland Day
14 January marks the founding of Uzbekistan’s Armed Forces: a working day, but one on which soldiers and ‘defenders of the motherland’ are honoured nationwide.
Festival · 8 March
International Women’s Day (8 March)
8 March is a spring holiday honouring mothers, sisters and all women — flowers, gifts and concerts; a public holiday.
Festival · 21 March
Navruz holiday
21 March, the spring equinox and the nation’s favourite festival: a public holiday, with fairs and sumalak lasting several days.
Festival · Nationwide
Ramazon hayiti (Eid al-Fitr)
The end of the fast, on the first day of Shawwal: festive prayers, family visits and a table of sweets; the date moves every year.
Festival · Nationwide
Qurbon hayiti (Eid al-Adha)
The Feast of Sacrifice on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah: festive prayers, sharing the sacrificial meat and hospitality; the date moves every year.
Festival · 9 May
Day of Remembrance and Honour
9 May remembers those who died in the Second World War and honours living veterans; until 1999 it was called Victory Day.
Festival · 1 October
Teachers’ and Mentors’ Day
1 October honours teachers: a public holiday since 1997, with celebrations in schools and universities, flowers and greetings.
Festival · 8 December
Constitution Day
8 December marks the adoption of Uzbekistan’s Constitution in 1992 and remains a public holiday after the new 2023 edition.