Eswatini is formerly known as Swaziland. There are 14 public holidays in Eswatini in 2023, two 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.
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
This is the Monday after Easter Sunday, and it is observed on April 10, 2023.
King's Birthday
King's Birthday is a public holiday observed on April 19, 2023. The holiday commemorates the birthday of Mswati III, the king of Eswatini.
National Flag Day
National Flag Day is a public holiday observed on April 25, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of the Eswatini flag being first hoisted on April 25, 1967.
May Day
May Day, or Labor Day, observed on May 1, 2023, celebrates workers' achievements. The holiday originates in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
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.
King Father's Birthday
King Father's Birthday is a public holiday in Eswatini, observed on July 22, 2023. The holiday commemorates the birthday of King Sobhuza II, the Ngwenyama (King) of Swaziland, for over 82 years.
Umhlanga Reed Dance
Umhlanga Reed Dance is a public holiday in Eswatini, one of the country's important cultural events. The festival lasts eight days, and the King will present on the seventh day, the most important day. During the festival, thousands of young girls gather at the Queen Mother's royal village (Ludzidzini Royal Village), then head to cut reeds. It falls on September 04, 2023.
Somhlolo Day
Somhlolo Day, also known as Independence Day, is a public holiday in Eswatini, and it is observed on September 6, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary when Eswatini gaining its independence in 1968.
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.
Incwala Day
Incwala Day, observed on January 10, 2023 and December 28, 2023, is a public holiday in Eswatini. It takes place during the summer solstice. Incwala is also called First Fruits Festival, but tasting the first fruits of the harvest is only one of many rituals. The whole event takes about one month and involves many rituals and traditions. In 2023, the holiday was celebrated twice.
The following is the list of public holidays in Eswatini 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Incwala Day | Jan 10, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Good Friday | Apr 07, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 10, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| King's Birthday | Apr 19, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| National Flag Day | Apr 25, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| May Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Ascension Day | May 18, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| King Father's Birthday | Jul 22, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Umhlanga Reed Dance | Sep 04, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Somhlolo Day | Sep 06, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Incwala Day | Dec 28, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Eswatini in 2023.
