Theme: festivals and traditions

THEME: FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS

PLAN:

1.FESTIVALS IN UZBEKISTAN

2.THE EXAMPLES OF UZBEK FESTIVALS

3. TRADITIONS IN UZBEKISTAN

4. THE EXAMPLES OF UZBEK TRADITIONS

There are a number of Uzbekistan holidays and festivals. The largest and liveliest ones feature some form of renewal, such as the New Year, curiously celebrated here by the largely Muslim population with a Christmas tree and a Santa. Each locality naturally has its own festivals, too. One worth seeing is the Boysun Spring Festival in Boysum, deemed by UNESCO to be a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Navruz

Another New Year celebration held all across Uzbekistan is the Navruz (also Navroz, Nowruz, and many other variations). The word ‘navruz’ means ‘new day’ in Iranian, so naturally Navruz is Iranian New Year. Held every March 21, Navruz is an auspicious event for many Uzbeks because it is at this time of year they pin hopes of revival and renewal. All over the country, families and local communities prepare sumptuous feasts for all to enjoy.

Boysun Bahori

Many local or provincial celebrations take place in various parts of Uzbekistan during spring. The biggest and perhaps the most culturally significant event is the Boysun Bahori, or the Boysun Spring Festival. Held in mountainous Boysun in Surkhandarya Province, this festival dates back to pre-Islam times and features costumes, songs, dance performances, storytelling, and other local traditions which have withstood the test of time. This event is so steeped in the region’s history and culture that UNESCO has named the Boysun cultural space as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.