There are 15 public holidays in Zambia 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.
International Women's Day
The holiday is one of the most important days to recognize the achievements made by women and to raise awareness about women's equality. It is observed on March 8, 2023.
Youth Day
Youth Day is a public holiday in Zambia, observed on March 12, 2023. The holiday honors the contributions of the youth to the country. Zambia gained independence from the British and formed the Republic of Zambia in 1964. Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, and the capital is Lusaka.
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.
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday and after Good Friday, and it is a public holiday in many countries. It falls on April 8, 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.
Kenneth Kaunda Day
Kenneth Kaunda Day, observed on April 28, 2023, honors the founding president Kenneth Kaunda, who served as the first President of Zambia from 1964 to 1991.
Labour Day
Labour 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.
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 is a public holiday in Zambia on July 3, 2023. The holiday commemorates those who fought and perished in the struggle for Zambian Independence.
Unity Day
Unity Day, observed on July 4, 2023, honors the unity of the diverse ethnic groups who reside across the nation. In Zambia, there are over 70 ethnic groups. However, the nine main ethnolinguistic groups include about 90% of the population: the Nyanja-Chewa, Bemba, Tonga, Tumbuka, Lunda, Luvale, Kaonde, Nkoya, and Lozi.
Farmers' Day
In recent years, the Zambian government had put great efforts into promoting agriculture to diversify the economy. Zambia has vast fertile land and a favorable climate. However, less than 20% of its land is currently under cultivation. Zambian agriculture mainly comprises crops, livestock, and fisheries. Farmers' Day, observed on August 7, 2023, celebrates agriculture to show respect to farmers who produced food to feed the country.
National Prayer Day
National Prayer Day, observed on October 18, 2023, is a national holiday of Prayer and Fasting. Prayer and Fasting are important practices for Christians, and Prayer Day has a different theme each year. Many people will pray in their churches for the nation's harmony, peace, and prosperity during the holiday.
Independence Day
Republic Day is a public holiday in Zambia, observed on October 24, 2023. The holiday commemorates when Zambia gained independence from the British in 1964.
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.
The following is the list of public holidays in Zambia 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| New Year's Holiday | Jan 02, 2023 | Monday | Observed |
| International Women's Day | Mar 08, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Youth Day | Mar 12, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Youth Day Holiday | Mar 13, 2023 | Monday | Observed |
| Good Friday | Apr 07, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Holy Saturday | Apr 08, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 10, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Kenneth Kaunda Day | Apr 28, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Africa Day | May 25, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Heroes' Day | Jul 03, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Unity Day | Jul 04, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Farmers' Day | Aug 07, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| National Prayer Day | Oct 18, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Independence Day | Oct 24, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Zambia in 2023.