Holidays and Celebrations

Botswana celebrates the New Year on the first two days in January. Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, through Easter Monday are the days when Easter is observed. Church and family are at the heart of celebrations. The day that Jesus Christ is claimed to have ascended to heaven is commemorated as Ascension Day, which falls 40 days following Easter.

The third weekend in July is designated as President's Day as a holiday. Many people visit their extended families in their home villages over this four-day holiday. On this event, government-sponsored programs begin with prayer and include traditional dancing, singing, speeches, and praise poetry. On September 30, Botswana celebrates its independence from the British, which took place on that date in 1966.

The most significant holiday is Christmas, and it is customary for Batswana to visit their home communities to celebrate. During this time, family members frequently give each other new clothing. Boxing Day (December 26) originated from a traditional British practice where tradespeople and service providers would carry around little earthenware boxes and collect tips. Nowadays, it's a good time to unwind and socialize.