Public Holidays in Zimbabwe 2026 – National & Religious Days

    ByUzair ul haq

    Zimbabwe observes a combination of national, Christian, and historical public holidays. These holidays commemorate independence, national unity, and Christian religious traditions. When a holiday falls on a weekend, official guidance may confirm substitute observation days.

    Explore more: Public Holidays in Zambia

    Overview of Public Holidays in Zimbabwe

    Public holidays in Zimbabwe include fixed-date national observances such as Independence Day and National Unity Day, as well as movable Christian holidays linked to Easter. In August, Heroes’ Day and Defence Forces Day are observed consecutively to honor liberation heroes and the armed forces.

    Long weekends and national celebrations often encourage domestic travel to places to visit in Zimbabwe, with accommodation options available through best hotels in Zimbabwe.

    List of Public Holidays in Zimbabwe (2026)

    DateDay (2026)HolidayNotes / Significance
    January 1ThursdayNew Year’s DayStart of the calendar year
    February 21SaturdayRobert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth DayObserved Monday if declared
    February 23MondayDay Off for Youth DaySubstitute holiday
    April 3FridayGood FridayChristian observance
    April 18SaturdayIndependence DayAnniversary of independence (1980)
    April 20MondayDay Off for Independence DayObserved holiday
    April 6MondayEaster MondayChristian holiday
    May 1FridayWorkers’ DayInternational labour celebration
    May 25MondayAfrica DayPan-African unity
    August 10MondayHeroes’ DayHonors liberation heroes
    August 11TuesdayDefence Forces DayHonors Zimbabwe Defence Forces
    December 22TuesdayNational Unity DayPromotes peace and reconciliation
    December 25FridayChristmas DayChristian celebration
    December 26SaturdayBoxing DayPublic holiday following Christmas

    List of Public Holidays in Zimbabwe (2025)

    DateDay (2025)HolidayNotes / Significance
    January 1WednesdayNew Year’s DayStart of the year.
    February 21FridayRobert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth DayHonors the late former President.
    April 18FridayGood FridayChristian observance.
    April 18FridayIndependence DayAnniversary of independence from colonial rule.
    April 19SaturdayHoly SaturdayPart of Easter weekend.
    April 21MondayEaster MondayChristian holiday following Easter Sunday.
    May 1ThursdayWorkers’ DayCelebrates labor rights.
    May 25SundayAfrica DayPan-African unity celebration.
    August 11MondayHeroes’ DayHonors national liberation heroes.
    August 12TuesdayDefence Forces DayCelebrates Zimbabwe’s military forces.
    December 22MondayNational Unity DayPromotes peace and unity.
    December 25ThursdayChristmas DayChristian celebration of Christ’s birth.
    December 26FridayBoxing DayHoliday following Christmas.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How many public holidays does Zimbabwe observe each year?

    Zimbabwe observes around 12 to 13 public holidays annually, depending on weekend substitutions.

    Why do Heroes’ Day and Defence Forces Day fall back-to-back?

    These holidays are intentionally observed consecutively to honor liberation heroes followed by recognition of the armed forces.

    What happens if a holiday falls on a weekend?

    The government may declare a substitute weekday as an official public holiday.

    Conclusion

    Zimbabwe’s public holidays reflect its Christian heritage, liberation history, and commitment to national unity. From Independence Day to Heroes’ commemorations, these observances reinforce shared identity and remembrance across the country.

    Uzair ul haq

    CEO Visaboards & IT Consultant

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