Swaziland Public Holidays 2025
Swaziland has 15 public holidays and 1 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 19 Apr | Sat | Birthday of King Mswati III | public |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | observance |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Birthday of King Mswati III (substitute day) | public |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 25 Apr | Fri | National Flag Day | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 29 May | Thu | Ascension Day | public |
| 22 Jul | Tue | Birthday of the late King Sobhuza | public |
| 1 Sep | Mon | Umhlanga Reed Dance | public |
| 6 Sep | Sat | Independence Day | public |
| 8 Sep | Mon | Independence Day (substitute day) | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | public |
| 28 Dec | Sun | Incwala Festival | public |
About Swaziland's Holidays
Eswatini, often still called Swaziland, mixes modern national holidays with strong cultural festivals. Many public days mark history, religion, and work, like Independence and Workers Day, and Christian holidays such as Easter and Christmas.
The king and royal family shape big events. Two famous cultural festivals are the Reed Dance and Incwala. These bring thousands together for dancing, music, and traditional ceremonies that celebrate unity, the monarchy, and the harvest.
Public holidays are days off for schools and offices. People use them to visit family, attend ceremonies, and enjoy parades. Festivals are joyful and important for keeping Eswatini culture alive.
Holiday Traditions
In Swaziland people celebrate with bright traditional clothing, beadwork, and headpieces. Families meet to honor elders and share stories. Respect for chiefs and community is important during public events and ceremonies.
Music, drumming, and spirited dances bring people together. Young and old join circle dances and call and response songs. Markets fill with crafts and gifts while towns host parades and communal gatherings.
Food is a big part. Families serve staple dishes like maize porridge called sadza, roasted or stewed meat, vegetables, fruits, and traditional beer. Meals are shared from common plates to show unity and hospitality.
Overall holidays blend family time, cultural rituals, singing, dancing, and food to strengthen community bonds.
Travel Tips
Swaziland (sz) gets busy around public holidays. Government offices and banks usually close, and some shops shut early. Plan to carry some cash because ATMs can run low and card machines may not work.
Buses and minibuses run, but schedules change and services can be fewer on holiday days. Taxis may charge more and wait times can grow. Driving is common, so expect more cars on main roads and possible delays.
Markets, tourist sites, and big shops stay busy. Book hotels and transport early because popular places fill up. Bring a copy of your passport and check entry rules before travel.
Be polite and dress respectfully at cultural events. Keep basic medicines, phone credit, and a printed map in case mobile service is spotty.