Key National Holidays

January 1: New Year’s Day

January 20: Day of the Martyrs—Remembrance of Black January 1990, a violent crackdown against Azerbaijani independence movement during the separation from the Soviet Union that resulted in several deaths

March 8: Women’s Day—A celebration of appreciation and respect toward women

March 21:Novruz Bayrami—Celebrated on the first day of spring, a popular holiday associated with rebirth and renewal.

May 9: Victory in World War II Day—Marks the surrender of Nazi Germany to the Soviet Union during World War II

May 28: Republic Day—Commemorates the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan (1918-20)

June 15: National Salvation Day—Celebrates the 1993 arrival of Heydar Aliyev from the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic to Baku to lead Azerbaijan.

June 26: Army and Navy Day—A day to honor the Azerbaijani Army and Navy forces.

October 18: National Independence Day—Celebrates Azerbaijan’s 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union.

November 12: Constitution Day—Marks the day the Constitution of Azerbaijan was adopted.

November 17: Day of National Revival—Observes the anniversary of 1988 mass protests by Azerbaijanis against the actions of Armenia and the Soviet Union within Azerbaijan.

December 31: Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis throughout the World—Recalls a 1989 call to action by Azerbaijanis for the Soviet Union to remove the borders between Soviet Azerbaijan and Iran.