Public Holidays in Uzbekistan 2026 – National & Islamic Holidays
Uzbekistan observes a set of public holidays reflecting its national history, cultural traditions, and Islamic faith. Some holidays occur on fixed Gregorian dates, while others—such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha—are determined by the lunar (Hijri) calendar and may vary slightly based on moon sighting.
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Overview of Public Holidays in Uzbekistan
Public holidays in Uzbekistan include national observances such as Independence Day, Constitution Day, and the spring festival Navruz. Islamic holidays like Ramazon Hayit (Eid al-Fitr) and Qurbon Hayit (Eid al-Adha) are also officially recognized. Because religious holidays depend on the Hijri calendar, their exact Gregorian dates may be confirmed closer to the event.
Public holidays often encourage domestic tourism, with families visiting popular places to visit in Uzbekistan or planning short stays at top hotels across the country, especially during Navruz and Eid celebrations.
List of Public Holidays in Uzbekistan (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Yangi Yil Bayrami) | January 1 | Thursday | Start of the Gregorian New Year. |
| New Year Holiday | January 2 | Friday | Additional New Year public holiday. |
| Day of Defenders of the Motherland | January 14 | Wednesday | Honors Uzbekistan’s Armed Forces. |
| International Women’s Day | March 8 | Sunday | Celebrates women’s social and cultural contributions. |
| Women’s Day (Observed) | March 9 | Monday | Substitute holiday due to weekend. |
| Navruz (Persian New Year) | March 21 | Saturday | Ancient spring and renewal festival. |
| Eid al-Fitr (Ramazon Hayit) | March 20* | Friday | End of Ramadan (tentative; moon sighting). |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | March 21* | Saturday | Additional Eid holiday (tentative). |
| Day of Remembrance & Honour | May 9 | Saturday | Honors national heroes and wartime sacrifices. |
| Eid al-Adha (Qurbon Hayit) | May 27* | Wednesday | Feast of Sacrifice (tentative). |
| Eid al-Adha Holiday | May 28* | Thursday | Additional day for Eid observance. |
| Independence Day | September 1 | Tuesday | Marks independence from the former USSR. |
| Teachers’ & Mentors’ Day | October 1 | Thursday | Honors educators nationwide. |
| Constitution Day | December 8 | Tuesday | Commemorates adoption of the Constitution. |
*Islamic holiday dates are approximate and subject to official confirmation based on moon sighting.
List of Public Holidays in Uzbekistan (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Yangi Yil Bayrami) | January 1 | Wednesday | Start of the Gregorian New Year. |
| New Year Holiday | January 2 | Thursday | Additional day of New Year observance. |
| Day of Defenders of the Motherland | January 14 | Tuesday | Honors formation of Uzbekistan’s Armed Forces. |
| International Women’s Day | March 8 | Saturday | Celebrating women’s contributions. |
| Women’s Day (Substitute Holiday) | March 10 | Monday | Observed due to weekend date shift. |
| Navruz (Persian New Year) | March 21 | Friday | Spring festival and cultural celebration. |
| Eid al-Fitr (Ramazon Hayit) | March 30 | Sunday | End of Ramadan (tentative). |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | March 31 | Monday | Additional public holiday. |
| Day of Remembrance & Honour | May 9 | Friday | Honoring those who sacrificed for the country. |
| Eid al-Adha (Qurbon Hayit) | June 6 | Friday | Feast of Sacrifice (tentative). |
| Eid al-Adha Holiday | June 7 | Saturday | Extra day for Eid celebrations. |
| Independence Day | September 1 | Monday | Marks independence from the USSR. |
| Teachers’ & Mentors’ Day | October 1 | Wednesday | Recognizes educators nationwide. |
| Constitution Day | December 8 | Monday | Commemorates the adoption of the Constitution. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Uzbekistan have in 2026?
Uzbekistan typically observes around 13 national public holidays each year, including Islamic religious holidays.
Why do Islamic holiday dates vary each year?
Islamic holidays follow the Hijri lunar calendar, which is shorter than the Gregorian calendar. As a result, their dates shift earlier each year.
Do holidays move if they fall on weekends?
Yes. Uzbekistan often declares substitute weekdays if public holidays fall on weekends.
Conclusion
Uzbekistan’s public holidays reflect a strong blend of cultural tradition, Islamic heritage, and national pride. From the vibrant celebration of Navruz to the solemn remembrance of heroes and the joy of Eid festivals, these holidays unite communities across the country.
