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
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.
Name and meaning
Since 1999, 9 May in Uzbekistan has been the Day of Remembrance and Honour; before that it was Victory Day. The new name broadened its meaning: it remembers those who suffered in the war against fascism and gave their lives for their country’s freedom, and honours veterans and the older generation. It is one of the non-working public holidays.
In 2026 the date brought days off on 9–11 May.
How it is marked
In the morning flowers are laid at memorials across cities and districts, veterans are congratulated and schools hold remembrance lessons. Tashkent’s memorial complexes, such as Victory Park and Memory Square, are especially busy. The mood is calm and respectful — keep that in mind when photographing ceremonies.
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 · 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.