| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | New Year's Day | National |
| 2026-01-02 | New Year's Day Holiday | National |
| 2026-04-03 | Good Friday | National |
| 2026-04-04 | Holy Saturday | National |
| 2026-04-06 | Easter Monday | National |
| 2026-05-01 | Labour Day | National |
| 2026-05-14 | Ascension Day | National |
| 2026-07-01 | Sir Seretse Khama Day | National |
| 2026-07-20 | President's Day | National |
| 2026-07-21 | President's Day Holiday | National |
| 2026-09-30 | Botswana Day | National |
| 2026-10-01 | Botswana Day Holiday | National |
| 2026-12-25 | Christmas Day | National |
| 2026-12-26 | Boxing Day | National |
| 2026-12-28 | Boxing Day Holiday | National |
About these holidays in Botswana (2026)
Our Botswana public holidays guide explains the background of each holiday and how the dates are set.
New Year's Day
New Year's Day falls on 1 January and opens the Gregorian calendar year. Most countries mark it with a public holiday, and celebrations usually begin the night before with countdowns, fireworks and gatherings. The date was fixed in its current position by Julius Caesar's calendar reform, and later preserved by the Gregorian reform of 1582. traditions vary widely, from first-footing in Scotland to writing resolutions for the months ahead.
Good Friday
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a public holiday in most countries with Christian traditions, and businesses, banks and schools often close. Observance is typically solemn, with church services, processions and in some places Passion plays. The date moves each year because Easter is calculated from the first full moon following the March equinox.
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, recalling the day Jesus lay in the tomb. It is a public holiday in several countries, particularly in Europe and Latin America, though in many places it is not a separate holiday because it falls on a weekend. The principal liturgy is the Easter Vigil held after nightfall, during which the Paschal candle is lit and the resurrection is first proclaimed.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and forms the final day of the Easter octave in Western Christianity. It is a public holiday in many European, Commonwealth and Latin American countries, effectively extending the Easter weekend. Because it is tied to the movable date of Easter, it falls between late March and late April. Traditional customs include egg rolling, picnics and family outings.
Labour Day
Labour Day honours workers and the trade union movement. The spelling varies by country, but the observance is essentially the same as Labor Day. Most nations hold it on 1 May as International Workers' Day, commemorating the Haymarket affair of 1886 and the campaign for an eight hour day. New Zealand and several Australian states observe it in October, and the United States and Canada in September.