There are 13 public holidays in Zimbabwe 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.
Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day
Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day, observed on February 21, 2023, commemorates the contributions of Robert Mugabe to Zimbabwe, and the holiday is observed on his birthday. Robert Mugabe was born on February 21, 1924, and dominated Zimbabwe's politics for 38 years. He served as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987 and then as President from 1987 to 2017.
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 Sunday
Easter Sunday is an important Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday is a public holiday in many countries. In 2023, it falls on April 9.
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.
Independence Day
Zimbabwe Independence Day, observed on April 18, 2023, commemorates the anniversary of Zimbabwe gaining independence from the British in 1980. Zimbabwe was under British rule since 1888 with the name of Rhodesia. In 1898, the current Zimbabwe area was named Southern Rhodesia, administered by the British South African Company (BSAC).
International Workers' Day
International Workers' Day, observed on May 1, 2023, is to celebrate 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, observed on August 14, 2023, commemorates those who died during the liberation war to achieve independence for the country.
Defence Forces Day
Defence Forces Day is a public holiday in Zimbabwe on August 15, 2023. The holiday commemorates the dedication of the country's defense forces and their commitment to protecting national sovereignty and safety.
National Unity Day
National Unity Day, observed on December 22, 2023, commemorates the unity of the two parties Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) in 1987.
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.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is also known as St. Stephen's Day and is widely known as a shopping holiday in some countries. It falls on December 26, 2023.
The following is the list of public holidays in Zimbabwe 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| New Year's Holiday | Jan 02, 2023 | Monday | Observed |
| Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day | Feb 21, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Good Friday | Apr 07, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Holy Saturday | Apr 08, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Easter Sunday | Apr 09, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 10, 2023 | Monday | Observed |
| Independence Day | Apr 18, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| International Workers' Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Africa Day | May 25, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Heroes' Day | Aug 14, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Defence Forces Day | Aug 15, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| National Unity Day | Dec 22, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Zimbabwe in 2023.
