Moshoeshoe Day (Lesotho)

Moshoeshoe Day is a public holiday in Lesotho, and it is observed on March 11 each year. The holiday commemorates the death anniversary of the first King of Lesotho, Moshoeshoe I, who died on March 11, 1870, at 94.

The Kingdom of Lesotho is an enclaved country surrounded by South Africa, which was named Basutoland before its independence in 1966. Basutoland became a British protectorate in 1868 after the Free State–Basotho War.

Moshoeshoe I was the first son of a small chief and formed his clan when he was 34 years old. He united various groups of refugees defending against attacks from Shaka, the Zulu King, during the early 19th century.

The border conflicts broke out when the Boer republic was established in 1854. After a series of wars with the Boers, Moshoeshoe lost a great portion of the western lowlands, although they never suffered a major military defeat. In 1868, Basutoland became a British protectorate.

The following is the list of Moshoeshoe Day in Lesotho from 2022 to 2026.

Please check more public holidays in Lesotho: