Public Holidays in Namibia 2026 – National & Public Holidays
Namibia observes a number of national public holidays defined under the Public Holidays Act, 1990 (Act 26 of 1990). When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed, unless that Monday is already a public holiday. These holidays often coincide with national commemorations, remembrance events, and Christian observances.
Travel Tip: Long weekends around Independence Day, Heroes’ Day, and Easter are commonly used for domestic travel. Popular destinations include national parks, desert landscapes, and coastal towns featured under places to visit in Namibia, with accommodation options available via best hotels in Namibia.
Also Explore: Public Holidays in Myanmar
Namibia Public Holidays in 2026
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Fixed public holiday |
| March 21 | Saturday | Independence Day | Commemorates Namibia’s independence (1990) |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday | Christian observance (movable) |
| April 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Christian religious observance |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday | Public holiday following Easter Sunday |
| May 1 | Friday | Workers’ Day | International Labour Day |
| May 4 | Monday | Cassinga Day | Commemorates the Cassinga massacre (1978) |
| May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day | Christian observance, 39 days after Easter |
| May 25 | Monday | Africa Day | Celebrates African unity |
| May 28 | Thursday | Genocide Remembrance Day | Memorial day for the Herero & Nama genocide |
| August 26 | Wednesday | Heroes’ Day | Marks the start of the armed liberation struggle |
| December 10 | Thursday | Human Rights Day / Namibian Women’s Day | Dual national observance |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Christian / Western Christmas holiday |
| December 26 | Saturday | Family Day (Day of Goodwill) | Also known as Boxing Day |
Namibia Public Holidays in 2025
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | Fixed holiday |
| February 28 | Friday | Public Sector Holiday (Sam Nujoma memorial) | Government-sector observance |
| March 1 | Saturday | Burial of Sam Nujoma / Public Holiday | State funeral observance |
| March 21 | Friday | Independence Day | Commemorates Namibia’s independence (1990) |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday | Christian observance (movable) |
| April 20 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Observed religious holiday |
| April 21 | Monday | Easter Monday | Public holiday |
| May 1 | Thursday | Workers’ Day | International Labour Day |
| May 4 | Sunday | Cassinga Day | Commemorates Cassinga massacre |
| May 5 | Monday | Cassinga Day (in lieu) | Observed due to Sunday |
| May 25 | Sunday | Africa Day | African unity commemoration |
| May 26 | Monday | Africa Day (in lieu) | Observed due to Sunday |
| May 28 | Wednesday | Genocide Remembrance Day | Introduced nationally in 2025 |
| May 29 | Thursday | Ascension Day | Christian observance |
| August 26 | Tuesday | Heroes’ Day | Also known as Namibia Day |
| December 10 | Wednesday | Human Rights Day / Namibian Women’s Day | Dual observance |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | Christian holiday |
| December 26 | Friday | Family Day (Day of Goodwill) | Also known as Boxing Day |
Notes & Observations
- Namibia’s Public Holidays Act, 1990 governs national holidays and Sunday substitution rules.
- Genocide Remembrance Day (28 May) was formally added in 2025.
- Only holidays falling on Sunday are observed on the following Monday.
- The President may declare additional public holidays by proclamation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Namibia have in 2026?
Namibia observes approximately 13 national public holidays in 2026 under the Public Holidays Act.
What happens if a public holiday falls on Sunday?
If a public holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday is observed as a holiday unless that Monday is already a public holiday.
What is Cassinga Day?
Cassinga Day (4 May) commemorates the 1978 Cassinga massacre involving Namibian exiles during the liberation struggle.
Why is Genocide Remembrance Day important?
Genocide Remembrance Day honors the victims of the Herero & Nama genocide and was officially recognized as a national holiday in 2025.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Namibia reflect remembrance, independence, and national identity. From Independence Day and Heroes’ Day to Genocide Remembrance Day and Christmas, these observances shape civic life throughout the year. As dates and special holidays may be adjusted by government proclamation, it is advisable to confirm official notices.
