Public Holidays in Lesotho 2025 – National Observances
Lesotho follows a calendar of national public holidays that include Christian observances, national days, and commemorative holidays. Many of these are established by law, while the government may also declare one-off holidays or adjust observances if a holiday falls on a Sunday.
Overview of Lesotho’s Public Holidays
Lesotho’s public holidays include Christian observances such as Good Friday and Easter Monday, national and monarchical days like Moshoeshoe I’s Day, King’s Birthday, and Independence Day, as well as secular observances like Workers’ Day. When a holiday falls on a weekend (for example, Independence Day on a Saturday in 2025), an “in-lieu” day may be declared. Employers are generally required to give paid leave on national public holidays or an alternate compensated day off if employees must work.
List of Public Holidays in Lesotho (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | Fixed holiday marking the start of the year |
| March 11 | Tuesday | Moshoeshoe I’s Day | Commemorates the founding King Moshoeshoe I |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday | Christian observance before Easter Sunday |
| April 21 | Monday | Easter Monday | Public holiday following Easter Sunday |
| May 1 | Thursday | Workers’ Day (Labour Day) | International Workers’ Day |
| May 25 | Sunday | Africa Day / Heroes’ Day | When on Sunday, a substitute weekday may be declared |
| May 29 | Thursday | Ascension Day | Christian holiday, 39 days after Easter Sunday |
| July 17 | Thursday | King’s Birthday (Letsie III) | National celebration of the monarch’s birthday |
| October 4 | Saturday | Independence Day | Commemorates independence from the UK in 1966 |
| October 6 | Monday | Independence Day (in lieu) | Observed since October 4 falls on Saturday |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Christ |
| December 26 | Friday | Boxing Day | Day after Christmas |
Notes & Observations
• When a holiday falls on a weekend (such as Independence Day on Saturday), the following Monday is declared a public holiday in lieu.
• The Public Holiday Act of 1995 governs national holidays in Lesotho and may be amended by government decree.
• One-time or special public holidays can be proclaimed by the government when necessary.
• Employees who work on a public holiday are generally entitled to an alternate paid day off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Lesotho have in 2025?
Lesotho has 11 national public holidays in 2025.
What happens when a holiday falls on a weekend?
If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, Lesotho often declares a substitute weekday (in lieu) holiday. For example, Independence Day on October 4 in 2025 will be observed on October 6.
What is Moshoeshoe I’s Day?
Moshoeshoe I’s Day (March 11) honors King Moshoeshoe I, the founding monarch of Lesotho who united the Basotho nation.
Is King’s Birthday a holiday?
Yes. July 17 is observed as King Letsie III’s Birthday, which is a national public holiday.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Lesotho reflect a mix of Christian traditions, royal history, and national pride. From New Year and Easter observances to Moshoeshoe’s Day, Ascension, and the King’s Birthday, these holidays shape civic and cultural life across the kingdom each year.
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