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
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.
History
Defenders of the Motherland Day was established by a law of 29 December 1993. The date recalls January 1992, when the military units stationed in the republic were placed under Uzbekistan’s jurisdiction — the birth of the independent state’s Armed Forces.
It is not one of the non-working public holidays: offices, banks and museums work as usual.
How it is marked
Ceremonies, awards for servicemen and concerts are held in Tashkent and the regions, and in schools and families men — especially those who have done military service — are congratulated. It has little effect on travel plans: offices, transport and museums run as normal.
Sources (2)
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 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.