Christmass trees. Very common to western Christmas. Most of
labour surviving their hangover.
Remembrance Day
12 Jan
This Day Turkmens commemorate all people died in local wars
since the Great Game and particulary in 1840, when Russian troops took over
Geok Tepe fortress. This day Turkmens took national flags down and serve
sadaka-funeral repast.
Kurban Bairam
12 Feb
Sacrifice feast.
National flag Day
19 Feb
Also falls on birth date of famous Turkmenbashi-Saparmurad
Niyazov.
Int. womens' day
8 March
Flowers, perfume and chocolate for women. The males do all
house works. Women also get special attention and usuallyreceive flowers
and a gift.
Navruz
21-22 March
Asian "Ney Year" and Equinox Day. Turkmens cook
farinaceous meals and malt cereal, but the main dish remains "semene"
-cooked wheat sprouds. This day they usualy have guests for dinner and teens
are out for street festivals.
Victory day
9 May
Commemoration end of WWII. Military parade. Greeting veterans.
Revival, Unity and Mahtumkuli Fragi poetry
Day.
18-19 May
Originaly celebrated separately these holidays
were united by special decree of Turkmenbashi.
Remembrance Day of 1948 earthquake
6 Oct
Commemorating day of all souls died in 1948 earthqauke of
10 grade by Richter scale and which was recognised by UNESCO as the most
destructing catastrophy of 20th century. This day Turkmens lay wreaths on
memorials and serve funeral repasts.
Independance day
27-28 Oct
The most official holiday in Turkmenistan, the celebrations
include military parade, folclore festivals thru the country, horse races,
shows, bankets etc.
Ramadan Bairam
14-16 Nov
The end of great fast during which Muslims have no right to
eat and drink before sunset.
Neutrality Day
12 Dec
A second by its importance holiday in Turkmenistan. Celebrates
Turkmen permanent neutrality accepted by UN resolution on 12 Dec in 1995.
In addition to official holidays and days-off there are also
some interesting holidays that are celebrated by local folks.
Last Sunday of May
Day of Turkmen carpet.
First Sunday of April
Day of water and artificial mitigation of stanning
climate of Karakorum desert.
First Sunday of April
Day of Ahalteke - Turkmen runners.
Note: International organisations and foreign embassies
are closed on both Turkmen and their respective national holidays. Make sure
you plan your visits to places and other activities in advance.
