On March 11th - Moshoeshoe's Day, the Bosothos gather to commemorate the Great's life and reign of Lesotho's first king, also known as the father of Lesotho. He is a gifted leader and diplomat and was responsible for the preservation of much of the country's cultural legacy, as well as the establishment of Christianity through his acceptance of European missionaries. The king passed away on March 11th, 1870, therefore people choose this day to mark the first ruler of a country.

Today, the Basotho people continue to show their respect to their founder with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony in Maseru's capital city, as well as sporting events and traditional music and dancing. Moshoeshoe's Day is celebrated with festivities held in all of the country's districts. There are various political and ceremonial speeches conducted to persuade the public to support the government's efforts to alleviate the country's persistent poverty.

When: March 11th

Where: All across the country

Because most of the festivals relate to Christianity, Easter is one of the most famous festivals in Lesotho. Easter festival, which is usually in April is marked with the usual parades, church attendances, and family get-togethers. Because the majority of Basotho take their religion seriously, so Easter is a great time for relaxation and gatherings. This is a national holiday, therefore, most schools and most businesses close on this occasion.

In addition to church services on Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Palm Sunday, and Easter Sunday, Easter is also a time of family feasts and reunions. Freshly butchered meat, local vegetables, and "joala," a type of handmade beer, are usually served at family feasts. Late into the night, there is typically singing, dancing, joy, and joala drinking. Besides, the Basotho travel a lot with their friends and families before or on Easter.

When: April

Where: All across the country

One of the most exciting and famous festivals in Lesotho is Morija Arts and Cultural Festival. It takes place in and around the capital in September or October and lasts for five days. First held in 1999, the festival brings people from all walks of life together to appreciate Lesotho's rich cultural heritage. It provides an opportunity for Basotho of all ages and backgrounds to demonstrate the diversity of their culture while also learning about the culture of their neighbors and other Lesotho people.

Morija Arts and Cultural Festival features theater, poetry, dance, music, song, crafts, art displays, and everything in between. Every year, the event attracts tens of thousands of tourists and promises to provide jazz performances, modern music, African films, and much more. The first component is Morija Festival Cultural Competition which is a medium-sized event conducted in October involving theatre, poetry, and traditional dance competitions. These tournaments are the climax of district and region championships for schools throughout Lesotho. The second is the Morija Arts & Cultural Festival, a larger event organized over a week in April. This 3-days event includes artistic and performing groups, a variety of events and night concerts, as well as many stalls and exhibits.

When: April

Where: Morija, Maseru District, Lesotho

Fall on October 4th, Independence Day marks the independence of Lesotho from the colonization of the British Empire and its development as a free state. The national holiday is commemorated with traditional festivities, costumes, songs, dance, and musical performances throughout the country. At this event, the Lesotho Royal Family also welcomes foreign ambassadors and significant visitors from various African countries.

The Basothos celebrate Independence Day with excitement and enthusiasm. Flag-raising rituals are held in the morning, important public and private buildings are filled with the national flag and special prayers are recited for peace and progress in the region. Many citizens flock to the streets and dress in colorful clothes representing their local districts. Some people go to recreational spots with their families, where they may enjoy wonderful meals and exciting entertainment.

When: October 4th

Where: All across the country

Of all events awaited by the Bosothos, Lesotho Jazz Festival is one of the most famous festivals in Lesotho. Every December, the Lesotho Jazz Festival takes place in the capital of Lesotho, attracting musicians from all around the country as well as from other southern countries. Jazz is prevalent throughout Africa, and this festival focuses on music as an important part of society.

Lesotho Jazz Festival, which takes place during the peak tourist season, attracts visitors from all over the world. Many local artists are breadwinners who rely on their musical performances to earn for living and support their families. Therefore, your presence at Lesotho Jazz Festival will help to ease their burden a little bit.

When: December

Where: Maseru, Lesotho

Because most of the population is Christian, Christmas is a national holiday in Lesotho. Traditions at Christmas in Lesotho are very similar to that in Western countries. People usually go to church with the entire family, except for some of the younger men. At church, they will sing and pray, along with reading the bible to celebrate the birth of Christ. These activities last from about 10 pm until 4 or 5 am. Christmas is also an opportunity for a family reunion when people cook foods together. They often bake cakes, bread, sweets, making salads, jelly custard, vegetables, and meat. Some families will slaughter sheep, goats, or chickens for food, but they do not slaughter pigs or cattle during the winter months. Others will prepare and serve joala, which takes 4 days to prepare, and beer, of course.

More excitingly, children will receive two new outfits for Christmas. The first will be worn on Christmas Day, and the second will be worn on Boxing Day, December 26. Even adults will wear Christmas clothes if the family has enough money, and people will decorate our homes with new tablecloths and curtains.

When: December 24th and 25th

Where: All across the country

AFRISKI Mountain Resort, a South African wine boutique company, and Eighteen13 Holdings jointly cooperate to organize Gin, Wine and Jazz Festival. This festival is among just a few of the events that showcase outstanding features of Afriski and Lesotho. Tourists loving adventurous and outdoor activities will regret if they miss attending this festival. This is because Lesotho is famous for mountain adventure and promise to satisfy people who are fans of hiking, mountain biking and endurance adventures in a rural and untouched setting.

Wine is another highlight of Gin, Wine and Jazz Festival. The event will include a selection of boutique wines from various places throughout the Western Cape. Each wine is coupled with a game, such as wine pong or mieliegat or pétanque, both of which are boule games. A one-hour wine seminar is also available, which will help attendees better understand their favorite wines. The workshop will cover the fundamentals of wine tasting etiquette, including how to hold one's glass and taste wine like an expert.

When: June

Where: Afriski, Lesotho