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
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.
The holiday and its date
Ramazon hayiti (Eid al-Fitr) ends the month-long Ramadan fast and falls on the first day of Shawwal in the lunar calendar. Under the Labour Code its first day is a public holiday. Because the lunar year is shorter than the solar one, the holiday moves about eleven days earlier each year, and the exact date is announced annually by the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan.
In 2026 it fell on 20 March and, together with Navruz, created a long break. In 2027 it is expected around 9–10 March (await the official announcement).
How it is celebrated
In the morning men attend the festive prayer at the mosque; then families visit relatives and neighbours, especially households recently in mourning. Tables are laid with sweets and pastries, and children go from door to door calling ‘Hayit muborak!’ and are rewarded with treats. For travellers: government offices close and mosques are crowded in the morning — don’t take photos inside during prayers.
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
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 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.