| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Jan 02,2023 | Day off for New Year | Public Holiday |
| Tuesday | Jan 10,2023 | Incwala Day | Public Holiday |
| Friday | Apr 07,2023 | Good Friday | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Apr 10,2023 | Easter Monday | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Apr 19,2023 | Birthday of King Mswati III | Public Holiday |
| Tuesday | Apr 25,2023 | National Flag Day | Public Holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | May Day | Public Holiday |
| Thursday | May 18,2023 | Ascension Day | Public Holiday |
| Saturday | Jul 22,2023 | Birthday of the late King Sobhuza | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Jul 24,2023 | Day off for Birthday of the late King Sobhuza | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Sep 04,2023 | Umhlanga Reed Dance (Tentative Date) | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Sep 06,2023 | Somhlolo Day (Independence Day) | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | Public Holiday |
| Tuesday | Dec 26,2023 | Boxing Day | Public Holiday |
| Thursday | Dec 28,2023 | Incwala Day | Public Holiday |
New Year in Eswatini is a joyous celebration known as "Umshwana." It marks the beginning of a fresh year and is celebrated with enthusiasm and hope. Eswatini's people come together to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with festivities, parties, and fireworks. It's a time for reflection, setting resolutions, and strengthening cultural unity. The cultural importance of New Year lies in its ability to unite communities and families in the spirit of hope and renewal.
Incwala Day, also called "The First Fruits Ceremony," is a vital cultural and religious holiday in Eswatini. It is a time when the nation expresses its gratitude for the harvest and seeks blessings for the upcoming planting season. The King, along with warriors and dignitaries, participates in this ceremony, which involves rituals, dances, and the tasting of the first fruits. Incwala Day is a symbol of Eswatini's cultural heritage and its deep connection to the land. It showcases the significance of agriculture in the country's history and the enduring traditions that link the people to their ancestors.
Good Friday, known as "Lidlovu lelikhulu," is a Christian holiday observed during Holy Week. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Eswatini's Christians attend church services, processions, and reenactments of the Stations of the Cross. Good Friday is a day of reflection, repentance, and deep religious significance. It underscores the cultural importance of Christianity in Eswatini and the role of faith in the lives of its people.
Easter Monday, or "Lidvumu lelikhulu," follows Easter Sunday and extends the Easter celebrations in Eswatini. It's a public holiday that allows people to continue their time with family and friends. Many take part in outdoor activities, picnics, and special gatherings. Easter Monday is a culturally significant occasion that encourages people to relax, enjoy the company of loved ones, and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It strengthens the sense of togetherness and community bonds in Eswatini.
The Birthday of King Mswati III, celebrated on April 19th, honors the reigning monarch's birth. King Mswati III plays a vital role in Eswatini's culture and governance. The holiday is marked by various events, including parades, cultural performances, and feasting. It's an occasion for Eswatini's citizens to express their love and respect for the King and celebrate their monarchy. The cultural importance of this day lies in reinforcing the bond between the King and his people, reflecting the deep respect and unity that characterize Eswatini's cultural heritage.
National Flag Day, observed on September 6th, commemorates the adoption of Eswatini's national flag. It's a day when citizens proudly display the flag, participate in patriotic ceremonies, and celebrate their national identity. The flag consists of colorful elements representing the nation's history and heritage. National Flag Day reinforces the cultural importance of national symbols and unity in Eswatini, emphasizing the pride that the people feel for their country.
May Day, known as "Lidvuba lelibomvu," is celebrated on May 1st as a public holiday in Eswatini. It is a day that honors the labor movement and workers' rights. Labor unions, workers, and activists organize parades, rallies, and discussions about labor-related issues. May Day serves as a reminder of the importance of fair labor practices and social justice. It highlights the role of workers in the country's development and is a culturally relevant occasion that underscores the value of labor and workers' well-being in Eswatini.
Ascension Day, known as "Lidzolwandle lelikhulu," is a Christian holiday observed 40 days after Easter. It commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. Eswatini's Christians attend church services, processions, and religious gatherings. It's a time for deep spiritual reflection and devotion, strengthening the cultural ties that bind the Christian community in Eswatini. Ascension Day reinforces the importance of faith and the role of Christianity in the country's culture and history.
The Birthday of the late King Sobhuza, celebrated on July 22nd, honors the memory of King Sobhuza II, one of Eswatini's revered monarchs. King Sobhuza II played a significant role in the country's history and culture. On this day, Eswatini's citizens pay their respects through ceremonies, cultural displays, and traditional rituals. It's a cultural occasion that fosters a sense of unity and reverence for the nation's past leaders, emphasizing the historical and cultural importance of the monarchy in Eswatini.
The Umhlanga Reed Dance, a vibrant cultural event, is celebrated annually in late August or early September, depending on the moon. Young unmarried women participate in the dance, wearing colorful traditional attire and carrying reeds. The ceremony is a symbol of purity, virginity, and cultural preservation. It is attended by the King and spectators from across the nation and beyond. The Umhlanga Reed Dance showcases Eswatini's rich cultural heritage and the significance of traditional values and rituals in the country's identity. It promotes unity and cultural pride among Eswatini's people.
Somhlolo Day, celebrated on September 6th, commemorates Eswatini's independence from British colonial rule in 1968. The day is marked by patriotic ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances that showcase the nation's heritage. It's a time for Eswatini's citizens to celebrate their national identity and freedom, emphasizing the cultural importance of independence and the enduring spirit of the nation. Somhlolo Day is a source of pride and unity for the people of Eswatini.
Christmas Day, known as "Lidzulazula," is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed with church services, nativity scenes, and the exchange of gifts. Families gather to share special meals, often featuring traditional dishes. Christmas caroling and festive decorations enhance the cultural atmosphere, making Christmas a cherished and culturally significant holiday in Eswatini. It brings joy, togetherness, and a sense of community to the nation, emphasizing the cultural importance of Christianity in Eswatini's society.
Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, follows Christmas Day and extends the holiday festivities in Eswatini. It's a day for relaxation, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in leisure activities. Many people participate in outdoor sports, picnics, and gatherings. Boxing Day is a culturally significant part of the Christmas celebrations, encouraging people to enjoy quality time with family and friends, fostering a sense of togetherness and community bonds in Eswatini.
Incwala Day, also called "The Second Fruits Ceremony," is a vital cultural and religious holiday in Eswatini. It occurs around December 25th, depending on the moon. Similar to the First Fruits Ceremony, it involves rituals, dances, and the tasting of the second harvest. The King's participation and blessings are central to the celebration. Incwala Day reinforces Eswatini's cultural heritage, deepening the connection to the land and the traditions that link the people to their ancestors. It symbolizes gratitude for the harvest and the nation's cultural identity.
