Heroes' Day is a public holiday in Zambia, and it is observed on the first Monday in July each year. The holiday commemorates those who fought and perished in the struggle for Zambian Independence.
The British South Africa Company (BSA Company) entered the current Zambia area in 1888 and gradually formed 3 regions: Barotziland-North-Western Rhodesia, North-Eastern Rhodesia, and Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).
North-Eastern Rhodesia and Barotziland-North-Western Rhodesia were merged to form Northern Rhodesia in 1911 and ceded control to the British government in 1923. In 1953, Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland (now Malawi) formed the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. In 1962, Northern Rhodesia seceded from the federation and formed full internal self-government. On October 24, 1964, Northern Rhodesia declared independence from the British as the Republic of Zambia.
Much of the turmoil and crisis happened during the struggle for Zambian Independence, and many people perished. In 1974, president Dr. Kenneth Kaunda unveiled a bronze statue in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia: a man raising hands into the air with broken chains, representing freedom after gaining independence in 1964.
The following is the list of Heroes' Day in Zambia from 2022 to 2026.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| Heroes' Day | Jul 04, 2022 | Monday |
| Heroes' Day | Jul 03, 2023 | Monday |
| Heroes' Day | Jul 01, 2024 | Monday |
| Heroes' Day | Jul 07, 2025 | Monday |
| Heroes' Day | Jul 06, 2026 | Monday |
Please check more public holidays in Zambia: