The following holidays are official ones.
All government agencies, schools, banks and most workplaces are closed on these
days. If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following day also becomes
a day-off.
Event
Date
Description
New Year's Day
1 Jan
Celebrating the start of the New Year. Christmass trees, gifts,
fireworks.
Day of Motherland defenders
14 Jan
Men get special attention and usually receive gifts from women.
Parades, fireworks.
Int. women's Day
8 Mar
Flowers, perfume and chocolate for women. The males do all
house works. Women also get special attention and usually
receive flowers and a gift.
Navruz
21 Mar
Asian "New Year's Day". Family celebtrations.
Street festivals.
Day of memory and honour. (Prv. Victory Day).
9 May
Commemoration of Soviet Union victory over Germany in
WWII. Military Parade. Greeting veterans. Fireworks.
Independence Day
1 Sept
Commemoration of obtaining independence from SU. Street
festivals, fireworks.
Flag Day
8 Nov
Commemoration of adoption of state flag. Street festivals.
Constitution Day
8 Dec
Commemorating the establishment of the Constitution of
the Uzbekistan Republic. Street festivals.
Note: Some Muslim festivals fall on different dates
every year. Like Kurban Hait (Id-al-Adha) and Ramazan Hait (Id-al-Fitr)
are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon. The exact
dates are established by a decree of the President.
The Uzbekistani people also celebrate following
religious holidays you should be aware of.
Russian Ortodox Easter
An Orthodox celebration of the resurrection of Jesus is celebrated
on the second Sunday in April. Official day-off. Charch visiting. Baking
special bread "Kulich"
Kurban-Hait
(Id-al-Adha)
This is one of the great Muslim holidays celebrated
all over the world. This holiday has a especial importance for pilgrims
taking the Haj to Mecca. Those who celebrate Qurban Hayit at home, visit
friends and relatives or meet with friends, help the sick, lonely and old
people after completing required rituals.
Ramazan-Hait
(Id-al-Fitr)
A time of spiritual and moral purification during
a 30-day period of fasting called Uraza that coincides with the 9th month
(Khidjra) of the Muslim calendar. This holiday is also known as Ruza Hayit.
The Muslim religion treats fasting as a way of spiritual upbringing. It
is also used to remember deceased relatives, to visit aged and sick people
and to perform charitable work. The first days of Qurban Hayit and Ramazan
Hayit religious holidays are non-working days.
In addition to official holidays and days-off there are also
some popular holidays that are celebrated by local folks.
Feb 14. St.Valentine's Day
A day to exchange love cards between couples and friends to
show how much you appreciate your second half. Mostly celebrated by young
people.
Feb 23. Men's Day
Formerly the official Soviet Army Day in the Soviet
Union. Men get special attention and usually receive gifts from women.
Apr 1. April Fool's Day
A day for playing harmless jokes on others.
Note: International organisations and foreign embassies
are closed on both Uzbek and their respective national holidays. Make sure you
plan your visits to places and other activities in advance.
