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
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.
The holiday and its date
Qurbon hayiti (Eid al-Adha) falls about seventy days after Ramazon hayiti, on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah at the climax of the hajj. It commemorates the devotion of the prophet Ibrahim: families who can afford it sacrifice a sheep or other animal and share part of the meat with the needy and their neighbours. Its first day is a public holiday under the Labour Code, and the exact date is announced by the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan.
In 2026 the first day fell on Wednesday 27 May; a presidential decree added 28–29 May as extra days off, giving those on a five-day week a break from 27 to 31 May. In 2027 the holiday is expected around 16–17 May (await the official announcement).
For travellers
Mosques and shrines are busy over the holiday, and families visit each other and lay generous tables. Government offices close and demand for trains and flights rises. The sacrifice is usually made discreetly in courtyards; if neighbours invite you to eat or share meat with you, it is heartfelt hospitality.
Sources (4)
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 · 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 September
Independence Day
1 September is Uzbekistan’s main national holiday, marking the declaration of independence on 31 August 1991 — concerts and fireworks.
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.