Botswana Calendar with Holidays 2026 Botswana In 2026, the calendar of public holidays in Botswana will consist of the rich potpourri of 11 national, cultural, and religious holidays that are reflections of the values of unity, tradition, and country development. The year begins with a New Year’s Day on January 1, and then comes another public holiday on January 2, which provides the citizens with a long holiday as they usher in the year. Easter is a time of a few significant Christian holidays, such as Good Friday on 3 April, Holy Saturday on 4 April, and Easter Monday on 6 April. Labor Day is on 1 May and appreciates the efforts and rights of workers nationally.
Botswana Calendar with Holidays 2026
Botswana also sees Ascension Day on 14 May, a Christian holiday celebrated forty days after Easter. On 1 July, the nation celebrated Sir Seretse Khama Day, paying homage to the first president of Botswana and an important person in the independence of the country.
President’s Day is celebrated on 20 July, with an additional day on 21 July, providing a mid-year opportunity for national reflection. One of the most important national holidays is Botswana Day on 30 September, in 1966, in memory of the independence of the country, after the holiday on 1 October. The year 25 offers time for family, trust, and community with Christmas Day on 25 December and Boxing Day on 26 December.
Botswana Holiday Calendar 2026
Botswana Calendar with Holidays 2026
| Date | Weekday | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2025 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| Jan 2, 2025 | Friday | New Year Holiday |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 4, 2025 | Saturday | Holy Saturday |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1, 2025 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 14, 2025 | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| Jul 1, 2025 | Wednesday | Sir Seretse Khama Day |
| Jul 20, 2025 | Monday | President’s Day |
| Jul 21, 2025 | Tuesday | President’s Day Holiday |
| Sep 30, 2025 | Wednesday | Botswana Day |
| 1 Oct | Thursday | Botswana Day Holiday |
| 25 Dec | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec | Saturday | Boxing Day (Family Day) |
- New Year’s Day- Jan 1 (Thu): The Gregorian calendar celebrates the first day of the year.
- New Year holiday- Jan. 2 (FRI): Additional public holiday after New Year’s Day.
- Good Friday- April (Fri.): Christian holiday marking Jesus’ cross.
- Holy Saturday- April (SAT): Easter was celebrated as part of the weekend.
- Easter Monday-April (Mon.): Christian holiday after Easter Sunday.
- Labor Day- May 1 (FRI): Respect workers and labor rights.
- Ascension Day- May 14 (Thu): Christian celebration of Jesus’ Arohi after 40 days of Easter.
- Sir Seretse Khama Day-Jul 1 (Wed): First Chairman of Botswana.
- President’s Day- Jul20 (Mon): Annual national day celebrating the presidency.
- President’s Day holiday-Jul 21 (Tue): An additional holiday is associated with President’s Day.
- Botswana Day-Sep 30 (Wed): In 1966, it marked the freedom of Botswana from the UK.
- Botswana Day holiday- October 1 (Thu.): Public holiday after Botswana Day.
- Christmas Day- Dec 25 (Fri): Jesus celebrates the birth of Christ.
- Boxing Day- Dec. 26 (SAT): Day after Christmas, locally known as Family Day
Botswana 2026 Calendar FAQs
1. How many national public holidays are there in Botswana in 2026?
Botswana has 11 national public holidays officially recognized in 2026.
2. Why are Jan 2, Jul 21, and Oct 1 also listed?
These are banks of observation days: Jan 2 follows New Year’s Day, July 21 follows President’s Day, and it follows 1 October with Independence Day. They ensure multi-day observation or weekend bridging.
3. Is Sir Seretse Khama Day a holiday?
Yes, on July 1, Sir Seretse Khama, the first president and founding leader of Botswana.
4. When is Independence Day celebrated?
Botswana gained independence on 30 September 1966. This date is officially celebrated as Botswana Day, with an additional holiday the next day.
5. What is President’s Day in Botswana?
On the third Monday of July, Presidents’ Day and its expansion holiday were observed on Tuesday.