There are 11 public holidays in Lesotho 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.
Moshoeshoe Day
Moshoeshoe Day is a public holiday in Lesotho, observed on March 11, 2023. The holiday commemorates the death anniversary of the first King of Lesotho, Moshoeshoe I, who died on March 11, 1870, at 94.
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.
May Day
May 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.
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 for establishing the OAU, such as intensifying the cooperation of the African states, defending independence, and eradicating all forms of colonialism.
King's Birthday
King's Birthday is a public holiday in Lesotho, observed on July 17, 2023. The holiday commemorates the birthday of Letsie III, the king of Lesotho.
Independence Day
Independence Day is a public holiday in Lesotho, observed on October 4, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of when Lesotho gained its independence from the United Kingdom on October 4, 1966.
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 Lesotho 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Moshoeshoe Day | Mar 11, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Good Friday | Apr 07, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 10, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| May Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Ascension Day | May 18, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Africa Day | May 25, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| King's Birthday | Jul 17, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Independence Day | Oct 04, 2023 | Wednesday | 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 Lesotho in 2023.