List of all Zambia public holidays that are gazetted in 2025
Zambia observes a variety of public holidays each year. The country has over 10 gazetted public holidays, including both national and international observances. Zambia public holidays are recognized nationwide, during which government offices, schools, and many businesses close to commemorate significant events.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Gazetted Zambia public holidays
- Public holidays in Zambia and their meanings
- New Year - 1st January
- International Women's Day - 8th March
- Youth Day - 12th March
- Good Friday - 18th April
- Holy Saturday – 19th April
- Easter Monday – 21st April
- Kenneth Kaunda's Birthday - 28th April
- Labour Day - 1st May
- African Freedom Day - 25th May
- Heroes' Day - First Monday in July
- Unity Day - Tuesday after Heroes' Day
- Farmers' Day - First Monday in August
- National Day of Prayer - 18th October
- Independence Day - 24th October
- Christmas Day - 25th December
- How many holidays does Zambia have a year?
- Which country has the most public holidays in Africa?
- Wrapping up
Key takeaways
- Zambia has over 10 gazetted public holidays in 2025, including national and international holidays.
- Upcoming public holidays in Zambia include African Freedom Day and Independence Day.
- International holidays recognized in Zambia include New Year’s Day, International Women’s Day, Labour Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Christmas Day.
- When a holiday falls on a Sunday, Zambia observes the following Monday (e.g., African Freedom Day on 25 May is observed on 26 May).
- Public holidays in Zambia are recognized nationwide, with most businesses, schools, and government offices closing in observance.
Gazetted Zambia public holidays
Zambia observes several gazetted public holidays each year. These holidays are officially recognized and widely followed across the country. Below is a comprehensive table of all gazetted public holidays in Zambia for 2025.
| Holiday | Date | Type |
| New Year's Day | 1st January | International |
| International Women's Day | 8th March | International |
| Youth Day | 12th March | National |
| Good Friday | 18th April | International |
| Holy Saturday | 19th April | International |
| Easter Monday | 21st April | International |
| Kenneth Kaunda's Birthday | 28th April | National |
| Labour Day | 1st May | International |
| African Freedom Day | 25th May | National |
| Heroes' Day | First Monday in July | National |
| Unity Day | Tuesday after Heroes' Day | National |
| Farmers' Day | First Monday in August | National |
| National Day of Prayer | 18th October | National |
| Independence Day | 24th October | National |
| Christmas Day | 25th December | International |
Public holidays in Zambia and their meanings
Here is a detailed look at Zambia’s gazetted public holidays. Some are national observances, while others are public or internationally recognized celebrations.
New Year - 1st January
The New Year holiday marks the beginning of the new calendar year. It is celebrated globally and observed in Zambia with festivities, family gatherings, and religious services. The countdown varies due to the difference in time zones.
International Women's Day - 8th March
This day, observed worldwide, celebrates women's achievements and promotes gender equality. It also highlights ongoing struggles for women's rights in various sectors.
Source: Getty Images
Youth Day - 12th March
This national holiday honours the role of young people in Zambia’s development. It encourages youth participation in nation-building and highlights their contributions to the country. The day often features parades, speeches, and youth empowerment events.
Good Friday - 18th April
Good Friday, also called Holy Friday or Great Friday, is an important Christian observance that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary. The date of this solemn occasion changes each year, typically falling on the Friday immediately before Easter Sunday.
Holy Saturday – 19th April
Falling between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, Holy Saturday is observed by many Christians as a day of reflection and preparation for Easter celebrations.
Easter Monday – 21st April
The day after Easter Sunday, Easter Monday is celebrated with church gatherings and family activities, symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Zambia, many people spend the day with family or participate in church activities and community gatherings.
Kenneth Kaunda's Birthday - 28th April
This day honours Zambia’s first president, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda. He was a key figure in the country’s independence and post-colonial leadership. It is a time of national reflection and remembrance.
Labour Day - 1st May
Labour Day is a global holiday observed annually on 1st May to honour the contributions and achievements of workers. Its roots trace back to the labour union movement, particularly the campaign for the eight-hour workday. This movement promoted a balanced division of the day into eight hours for work, eight for leisure, and eight for rest.
African Freedom Day - 25th May
Commemorating the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), this holiday recognizes Africa’s liberation struggles. Zambia joins other African countries in celebrating continental unity and freedom.
Source: Getty Images
Heroes' Day - First Monday in July
Heroes’ Day in Zambia is observed on the first Monday of July each year. It is a national holiday dedicated to honouring Zambia’s freedom fighters and national heroes who played a pivotal role in the country’s independence.
Official government ceremonies mark the day. These include wreath-laying at memorial sites, short speeches from national leaders, and moments of silence to remember the sacrifices made. It is also a time for Zambians to celebrate the values of patriotism, courage, and unity embodied by these heroes.
Unity Day - Tuesday after Heroes' Day
Unity Day in Zambia is celebrated on the Tuesday following Heroes’ Day, making it part of a two-day national observance. The goal of Unity Day is to promote national unity among the 70 or more groups that comprise the Zambian people.
Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s first president, established Unity Day to help build a strong sense of national identity. The holiday encourages friendship and understanding among the country’s diverse ethnolinguistic groups while promoting national unity.
Farmers' Day - First Monday in August
Farmers' Day in Zambia is celebrated annually on the first Monday of August. This holiday honours the vital contribution of the agricultural sector to the country's economy. The Zambian government introduced the day to promote agriculture, to diversify the economy, and reduce its reliance on copper.
National Day of Prayer - 18th October
National Day of Prayer, observed on 18th October, is a public holiday with deep religious significance in Zambia. The country’s leadership introduced it to reflect Zambia’s Christian identity, with most of the population being Protestant. The day aims to unite Zambians through prayer, fasting, repentance, and reconciliation, especially during times of national challenge.
Independence Day - 24th October
Zambia celebrates Independence Day every year on 24th October, marking its freedom from British colonial rule in 1964. This day is a powerful reminder of the struggles, sacrifices, and unity that led to the nation’s independence.
The holiday is celebrated nationwide with street parades, traditional music, dancing, and flag-raising ceremonies. In the capital city, Lusaka, national leaders often deliver speeches reflecting on the journey of independence and the country's progress. It is a day of national pride and celebration for all Zambians.
Christmas Day - 25th December
Source: Getty Images
Christmas Day, celebrated on 25th December, is an international public holiday that marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It is one of the most significant holidays for Christians around the world.
In Zambia, Christmas is a time for family gatherings, church services, and sharing meals with loved ones. Many people take the opportunity to travel to their hometowns to celebrate with extended family. The day is filled with joy, reflection, and festive activities across the country.
How many holidays does Zambia have a year?
Zambia observes 15 public holidays each year, encompassing both national and international observances. These holidays are officially recognised and celebrated across the country.
Which country has the most public holidays in Africa?
Egypt holds the record for the most public holidays in Africa, with 22 official days off each year. These holidays encompass a blend of national, religious, and cultural observances, reflecting the country's rich heritage.
Wrapping up
Zambia public holidays reflect a rich blend of the nation's historical milestones, cultural values, and religious beliefs. These officially gazetted dates not only provide time for rest and celebration but also promote national unity and reflection.
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