There are 12 public holidays in Namibia in 2023, three of which fall on weekends.
New Year's Day
New Year Holiday, celebrated on January 1, 2023, is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar, and it is one of the most popular holidays in the world.
Independence Day
Independence Day is a public holiday in Namibia, observed on March 21, 2023. The holiday commemorates when Namibia gained its independence from South Africa in 1990.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday celebrating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is observed on Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday, April 7, 2023.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and it is the Monday after Easter Sunday. It is observed on April 10, 2023.
Workers' Day
Workers' Day is observed on May 1, 2023, and it celebrates the achievements of workers. The holiday originates in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Cassinga Day
Cassinga Day is a public holiday in Namibia, observed on May 4, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary when the South African Defence Force attacked a SWAPO base at Cassinga in southern Angola in 1978.
Ascension Day
Also known as the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, Ascension Day commemorates the Christian belief in the bodily Ascension of Jesus into heaven. It falls on May 18, 2023.
Africa Day
Africa Day, observed on May 25, 2023, commemorates the anniversary when the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was established on May 25, 1963. There were several aims to establish the OAU such as intensifying the cooperation of the African states, defending independence, and eradicating all forms of colonialism.
Heroes' Day
Heroes' Day, observed on August 26, 2023, commemorates the anniversary when the South African Defence Force attacked the guerrilla fighters at Omugulugwombashe camp, marking the beginning of the Namibian War of Independence.
Namibian Women Day and International Human Rights Day
International Human Rights Day commemorates the United Nations General Assembly's Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) anniversary in 1950. International Human Rights Day raises the importance of protecting human rights, especially the rights of the most vulnerable groups, such as women and children. The holiday falls on December 10, 2023.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, 2023, and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christmas Day is a holiday of sharing. People exchange Christmas gifts and cards with families and friends.
Family Day
Family Day, celebrated on December 26, 2023, is a holiday to encourage people to take a break from work and spend time with families. It is a good time to appreciate the cultural heritage and emphasize the importance of family values.
The following is the list of public holidays in Namibia 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| New Year's Holiday | Jan 02, 2023 | Monday | Observed |
| Independence Day | Mar 21, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Good Friday | Apr 07, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 10, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Workers' Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Cassinga Day | May 04, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Ascension Day | May 18, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Africa Day | May 25, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Heroes' Day | Aug 26, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Namibian Women Day and International Human Rights Day | Dec 10, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Namibian Women Day and International Human Rights Holiday | Dec 11, 2023 | Monday | Observed |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Family Day | Dec 26, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Namibia in 2023.
