January 1: New Year

New Year is one of the most beloved holidays in Uzbekistan. Preparations begin a month in advance—or even earlier. It is a wonderfully pleasant, bustling, and exciting time. Everyone rushes to bazaars and shopping centers to buy gifts, New Year souvenirs, and favorite foods in order to prepare a wide variety of dishes for the holiday.

One of the most important traditions is to decorate the festive dastarkhan so that it overflows with abundance. It is believed that the richer the table, the more successful the coming year will be. Exchanging gifts is an essential part of the celebration, and special attention is paid to congratulating all relatives, friends, and colleagues with New Year greetings and souvenirs.

Streets and homes are dressed as if wrapped in festive décor—everything sparkles and shimmers with garlands, New Year installations, and decorated fir trees. A New Year tree is set up in every home, with prepared gifts placed underneath.

New Year is also a time of winter holidays—an incredible adventure in the atmosphere of an Eastern fairy tale among blue domes and minarets. On central streets and squares, one can meet Korbobo (Santa) and Korkiz (the Snow girl). Fairs, performances by artists, show programs, and many other events take place everywhere. Many city residents head to the mountains and resorts to relax in a magical winter atmosphere, enjoy winter sports, and ride cable cars.

All miracles happen on New Year’s Eve. By tradition, at midnight one should make a wish—and it is sure to come true. As the clock strikes twelve, champagne is opened, glasses are clinked, and everyone congratulates each other on the arrival of the New Year.