Understanding official public holidays in Uzbekistan is essential for effective planning, whether you’re scheduling business meetings, booking travel arrangements, or organizing personal events. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed nationwide public holidays in Uzbekistan for 2026, helping you make the most of your time throughout the year. Note that this list includes only federal holidays observed across the entire country, excluding regional or observance-only dates.
Official Public Holidays in Uzbekistan 2026
Uzbekistan observes nine official public holidays each year, as mandated by the Constitution of Uzbekistan and regulated under Uzbek Labour Laws. Employers are required to acknowledge these holidays regardless of the dates they occur. Several holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar, meaning their dates vary annually based on moon sightings.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| March 8 | Sunday | International Women’s Day |
| March 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr (Ramazon Hayit)* |
| March 21 | Saturday | Nowruz |
| May 9 | Saturday | Remembrance Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (Qurbon Hayit)* |
| September 1 | Tuesday | Independence Day |
| October 1 | Thursday | Teachers’ Day |
| December 8 | Tuesday | Constitution Day |
*Note: Islamic holidays are marked as tentative dates as they depend on the sighting of the crescent moon. Final dates may vary by one day based on official moon sighting announcements.
Understanding Uzbekistan’s Public Holidays
Fixed Annual Holidays
New Year’s Day (January 1) kicks off the year as one of Uzbekistan’s most beloved celebrations. Families typically spend New Year’s Eve at home with relatives, however, celebrations continue through mid-December until Old New Year on January 13. The holiday features festive gatherings, entertainment programs, special menus, and gift exchanges.
International Women’s Day (March 8) coincides with spring’s arrival and celebrates beauty and femininity. Consequently, it’s a day dedicated to showering women with special attention, flowers, and gifts throughout the country.
Nowruz (March 21) represents the Persian New Year and marks the spring equinox. Although celebrations often span several days, the government recognizes only the final day as an official public holiday. This ancient festival symbolizes renewal and the triumph of good over evil.
Remembrance Day (May 9) honors Uzbekistan’s citizens who perished during World War II. More than 450,000 Uzbeks lost their lives in the war. On this day, residents join millions from former Soviet Union countries in paying tribute to war veterans and laying flowers at memorials. The Walk of Fame and Remembrance in Tashkent’s Mustakillik Square features granite steles bearing the name of every Uzbek who perished.
Independence Day (September 1) was the first official holiday declared by the newly independent republic following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Every year since then, the people of Uzbekistan have celebrated this momentous occasion with full enthusiasm, featuring parades, concerts, and national pride displays.
Teachers’ Day (October 1) recognizes the vital contribution educators make to society. Schools and educational institutions hold special ceremonies, and teachers receive recognition and appreciation from students and communities nationwide.
Constitution Day (December 8) commemorates the adoption of Uzbekistan’s Constitution on December 8, 1992. Streets are decorated with national flags, while concerts, sporting events, and exhibitions take place in the capital and throughout the country.
Islamic Holidays (Lunar Calendar)
Eid al-Fitr (March 20, 2026), known locally as Ramazon Hayit, marks the end of Ramadan’s month-long fasting period. Preparations begin on the eve, known as Arafah, when families prepare traditional plov (rice dish) and various breads and sweets. The day begins with morning prayers at mosques, followed by visits to family graves. Meanwhile, communities exchange greetings of “Eid Mubarak” and share festive meals featuring sweet dishes, which is why it’s sometimes called “Meethi Eid” in South Asian countries.
Eid al-Adha (May 27, 2026), or Qurbon Hayit, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. This four-day celebration begins with special morning prayers called Hayit Namaz. Traditionally, families who can afford it sacrifice a sheep, dividing the meat into three equal portions: one for relatives, one for the needy, and one for invited guests. However, celebrations emphasize charity, community, and spiritual reflection.
Planning Tips for 2026
When scheduling your year, consider these strategic insights. Long weekend opportunities appear when holidays fall adjacent to weekends. For instance, March 20-21 creates a Friday-Saturday combination for Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz, while May 9 (Remembrance Day) falls on Saturday, extending the weekend naturally.
Moreover, the President of Uzbekistan has constitutional authority to declare additional holidays each year, often creating at least one “long holiday” period. These announcements typically come closer to the actual dates, so it’s wise to monitor official government communications throughout the year.
For Islamic holidays, remember that dates are tentative until the crescent moon is officially sighted. Plan accordingly by building flexibility into your schedule around Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. On the other hand, fixed-date holidays provide certainty for long-term planning.
Business travelers should note that all government offices, banks, and most businesses close on public holidays. Consequently, scheduling important meetings or transactions around these dates requires advance coordination. Additionally, transportation and accommodation may be more crowded and expensive during extended holiday periods, particularly during Independence Day celebrations in September.
For those planning international travel, checking current local times around the world becomes crucial when coordinating with colleagues or family across different time zones during holiday periods. Furthermore, using timer tools can help manage your schedule efficiently, whether you need a 5-minute countdown for a break or a 15-minute reminder for an important call.
Cultural Considerations
Uzbekistan’s public holidays reflect the nation’s rich cultural heritage, blending secular celebrations with Islamic traditions and Soviet-era commemorations. The diversity of these holidays demonstrates the country’s multicultural identity and respect for both religious and civic observances.
When visiting Uzbekistan during holidays, you’ll experience warm hospitality and vibrant celebrations. Markets fill with festive goods, families gather for elaborate meals, and cities come alive with cultural performances. These occasions offer unique opportunities to witness Uzbek traditions and participate in community celebrations.
For expatriates and international workers, understanding these holidays helps integrate into local culture and shows respect for Uzbek customs. Meanwhile, local businesses appreciate foreign partners who acknowledge and plan around these important national dates.
Stay Updated and Plan Ahead
While this guide provides comprehensive information about confirmed public holidays in Uzbekistan for 2026, it’s important to verify dates closer to the time, especially for lunar-based Islamic holidays. Government announcements may adjust dates based on official moon sightings, and additional holidays may be declared.
For more helpful resources on time management and planning, explore our comprehensive guides section, which offers valuable insights for organizing your schedule efficiently throughout the year.
Whether you’re a resident, business professional, or traveler, keeping this holiday calendar handy ensures you never miss important dates and can make the most of your time in Uzbekistan. Mark your calendar now and start planning your year with confidence, knowing exactly when to expect time off, schedule meetings, or book travel arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized as official public holidays nationwide in Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan recognizes nine official nationwide public holidays in 2026: New Year’s Day (January 1), International Women’s Day (March 8), Eid al-Fitr (March 20), Nowruz (March 21), Remembrance Day (May 9), Eid al-Adha (May 27), Independence Day (September 1), Teachers’ Day (October 1), and Constitution Day (December 8). These holidays are mandated by the Constitution of Uzbekistan, and all employers must observe them as non-working days.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays in 2026 offer long weekend opportunities. Eid al-Fitr falls on Friday, March 20, immediately followed by Nowruz on Saturday, March 21, creating a three-day weekend when combined with Sunday. Remembrance Day occurs on Saturday, May 9, naturally extending the weekend. Additionally, the President may declare bridge days to create extended holiday periods throughout the year, which are typically announced closer to the dates.
Are any public holidays subject to change in 2026?
Yes, the two Islamic holidays—Eid al-Fitr (March 20) and Eid al-Adha (May 27)—are marked as tentative dates because they depend on the official sighting of the crescent moon. The actual dates may shift by one day based on when the moon is observed. The government announces the confirmed dates shortly before each holiday. All other holidays have fixed dates that will not change.
Do regional holidays exist in Uzbekistan?
While this guide focuses exclusively on nationwide public holidays that apply across all of Uzbekistan, some regions or cities may observe local commemorative dates. However, these regional observances are not official public holidays and do not guarantee time off from work. The nine holidays listed here are the only federally mandated non-working days that apply throughout the entire country.
What is Homeland Defenders’ Day and why isn’t it listed?
Homeland Defenders’ Day, observed on January 14, is an important commemorative date marking the establishment of Uzbekistan’s Armed Forces in 1992. However, it is classified as an observance rather than an official public holiday, meaning it is not a guaranteed day off from work. Celebrations involving military and security agencies occur in city plazas, but businesses and most workplaces operate normally on this day.