Independence Day, 1 September: Celebrations in Tashkent and the Regions

1 September is Independence Day in Uzbekistan. On this date in 1991 the republic proclaimed its independence, and since then it has remained one of the country's main national holidays. For a traveller it is a chance to see Uzbekistan in a festive mood: with concerts, fireworks, decorated streets and family celebrations. But there are practical points worth considering.

What happens on the holiday

Tashkent

The main events take place in the capital. The programme usually includes:

• festive concerts in central squares, including Independence Square and the Mustaqillik complex;
• performances by artists and folklore groups;
• children's programmes, fairs and exhibitions;
• evening illumination and fireworks visible from many parts of the city;
• streets, parks and buildings decorated with flags and lights.

The programme changes from year to year. City authorities and organisers publish listings a few days before the holiday, so follow the current information.

The regions

Celebrations take place in other cities too: Samarkand, Bukhara, Fergana, Namangan, Andijan and Nukus. Usually these are concerts on squares, holiday fairs, sports contests and fireworks. The scale is more modest than in the capital, but the atmosphere is more intimate and access is easier.

Days off

Independence Day is a public holiday and usually a day off. If it falls midweek, the day off may be moved to form several days off in a row. Exact dates and shifts are announced officially, so check ahead. Banks, government offices and many shops are usually closed that day, while museums, restaurants and malls often work, although hours may be reduced.

Closures and restrictions

On big event days in Tashkent some streets and squares are closed, security is reinforced and entry to the centre is restricted. Allow time in advance:

1. Arrive at events 1.5 to 2 hours before the start.
2. Go by metro: it does not sit in traffic and runs to a schedule.
3. Carry an ID document.
4. Do not bring large bags or sharp objects.
5. Follow the instructions of police and volunteers.
6. After fireworks the metro and roads are overloaded; you will not get out right away, so wait 30 to 40 minutes.

Travelling between cities

The holiday is often preceded by days off, and people go to relatives or on a break. Demand for train tickets and car seats rises, and traffic builds up on the way out of Tashkent. What to do:

• buy train tickets in advance;
• leave early in the morning or late in the evening;
• avoid peak hours, especially the evening before the holiday and the last day off;
• carry water and a snack;
• allow extra time for traffic.

For a trip from the capital to Samarkand there is the Tashkent to Samarkand route: about 300 km, usually 3.5 to 4 hours, longer on holiday days because of queues at the exit and stops. Events also take place in Samarkand in this period, so the trip can be combined with the festivities.

In the Yo'ldosh app you can find a seat in a shared car in advance: the driver publishes the trip, you choose the date and time and book a seat. It is cheaper than a taxi and more flexible than a train timetable, and on holidays it is safer to book ahead.

What to see on holiday days

If you are in the capital, besides concerts it is worth seeing:

• the Independence and Humanism monument and Mustaqillik Square;
• Tashkent City park and the embankments of the Ankhor canal;
• Chorsu and other bazaars (check opening hours);
• the metro with its famous stations;
• museums that are open on holidays.

In Samarkand these are the Registan, Gur-Emir and Shah-i-Zinda; performances and monument illumination take place there during the holiday.

Tips for guests

• Carry cash: street vendors and fairs do not always take cards.
• Dress for the weather: in early September it is still warm by day and cooler in the evening.
• Look after your belongings in crowds, especially during fireworks.
• Photograph respectfully: do not photograph people without permission and do not film guarded sites.
• Do not fall for offers of the "cheapest" taxi near events: agree the price in advance or use trusted transport.
• Book lodging early: during holidays hotels in Tashkent and Samarkand are full.

Holiday food

These days tables hold plov, samsa, kebab, melons and watermelons, and September fruit. Restaurants are packed, so book a table in advance. Teahouses work late, and they are a good place to wait out the crowd.

Bottom line

Independence Day is a great reason to see how the country celebrates its main holiday. Plan trips ahead, use the metro in the capital and leave extra time for the roads. For more on a trip to Samarkand see the page for Tashkent to Samarkand.

Cover photo: U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons.