Public Holidays in Uzbekistan

January, 1st

New Year

Origin

Uzbekistan celebrates New Year on the first of January. This holiday was introduced to Uzbek people together with the adoption of Gregorian Calendar in the end of 19th century by russians. Therefore, the celebration of a New Year and the symbols of the holiday is almost same as in Russia.

Symbols

Main symbol is, of course a decorated Christmas tree. However, locals do not associate it with the Christmas. Grandfather Frost and Snow Maiden are also main characters of the New Year in Uzbekistan.

How

People at this time celebrate and widely mark this holiday with native and close behind the covered elegant table. Also gifts and surprises are traditionally presented each other. They will visit friends and relatives or enjoy themselves dancing until midnight from 31st December till 1st January, when hours solemnly beat 12 hours. Then they welcome the New Year wishing each other happy new year.

Where

Some people gather in Restaurants or night clubs, where special New Year Party shows are orginized, while others meet with family members at homes.

January, 14th

Day of Defenders of the Native Land

Origin

This holiday in independent Uzbekistan is celebrated in honor of creation of own Army forces. On 14th January, 1992, the parliament made a decision on transition of all parts and connections, military educational institutions and other military formations of the soviet army deployed in territory of the country under jurisdiction of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Symbols

National flag, coat of arms

How

On the eve of the holiday, number of army personnel are nominated to governmental awards and some of them are awarded at Gala conciert organized by the government.

Where

Holiday is celebrated in mainly military institutionas and widely publicized in mass media.

March, 8th

International Womens' Day

Origin

Nowadays this is a major day of global celebration of women. This holiday was introduced to Uzbek people as a honor to working women during the soviet era. however, it is lost its ts political flavour, and became simply an occasion for men to express their love for women in a way somewhat similar to a mixture of Mother's Day and St Valentine's Day that are celebrated in the West. 

Symbols

Happy woman, flowers

How

On this day it is customary for men to give the women in their lives – mothers, wives, girlfriends, daughters, colleagues, etc. – flowers and small gifts. 

Where

Everywhere :)

March, 21st

Navruz

Origin

Literally means New Day in Persian language. Although Navruz is not an islamic holiday, it was widely celebrated among locals (mainly muslims) as a beginning of the New Year before the Georgian calendar was intuduced. Celebrating navruz was prohibited in soviet times, but after the independence, the government declared it as a national holiday and symbol of spring.

Symbols

Blossoming trees and flowers, sprin, sumalak (national dish)

How

In Navruz Many Uzbek family prepare for national dishes such as: sumalak, halim, samosa from spring greens, pilov and others. Preparation of sumalak, which is usually boiled in large pots and needs continuous mixing, takes approximatety 24 hours. Thus, people gather around the pots and spend the day and night singing and dancing national folclore.

Where

People go out on navruz with family members or friends and attend Navruz celebrations, national dance and sporting shows, which are orginized in city and town centers and parks.

May, 9th

Day of Memory and Honor

Origin

Firstly celebrated as the Victory Day that marks the capitulation of Nazi Germany to the Soviet Union in the Second World War. It was first inaugurated in the fifteen republics of the Soviet Union. It has been celebrated since 1946 and the holiday became a non-labour day only in 1965 and only in some of the countries.

After the independence, Uzbekistan built Memorial of Memory in the center of Tashkent in 1999 and declared 9th of May as a Day of Memory and Honor. Now, this holiday is celebrated in honour and memory of compatriots who spend their lives protecting the country, its freedom and independence in the past.

Symbols

Memorial of Memory, Lamenting Mother

How

Poeople visit memorials and place flowers. Visit elder people who have spend their lives heroically and remember those who have passed.

Where

Mainly at memorials of Memory and Honour that are found in almost all city centers.

September, 1st

Independence Day

Origin

One of the greatest and widely celebrated holidays of Uzbekistan - Independence Day. The country obtained its independence from Soviet Union on September 1st, 1991 and since then it is celebrating this day as a National Holiday.

Symbols

State symbols

How

Holiday celebrations, festivals and concierts are organized throughout the country and people go out for public places and parks in the city. Mass media widely publicizes the events hold in various places of the country and broadcasts the concierts.

Where

Main celebration conciert, where the president of Uzbekistan attends, is hold on August 31st in Tashkent's Navoi Park.

Ocrober, 1st

Teachers' Day

How

Students congratulate their teachers and give flowers and small gifts. media broadcasts many programs and shows dedicated to the education and role of teachers in the development of new generation.

Where

In schools and educational institutions.

December, 8th

Constitution Day

Origin

This holiday marks the adoption of new constitution of the independent country on December 8th, 1992.

Symbols

Constitution

How

Government organizes celebration and concierts in many places and awards some people in honour of their work and patriotism.

Where

In all governmental institutions.

Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr

Origin

As in all countries where live muslims, Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr are widely celebrated in Uzbekistan too. People have been celebrating these holidays for many centuries but they were prohibited during the soviet times. But after the independence government declared them as a naitonal holiday.

How

Men go to mosques early morning to pray holiday prayers and then visit relatives. Women set up a holiday table. Elders give candies and sweets to children.

Where

In every muslim house.

Last Updated: 08/02/2011 6:11 PM

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