Namibia Events and Festivals

New Year’s Day
This is a public holiday in Namibia and a time for families getting together and feast on venison and beef. New Year’s Eve sees many people celebrating with parties, music and drinking, so for many, New Year’s Day is a chance to recover from the night before.

Independence Day
Namibia celebrates the day it was granted independence on 21 March. It is a national holiday and a time for flag-flying. Families use the holiday as a chance to take children out for the day or to catch up on household chores. Many businesses close for the day as well as all governmental offices.

Easter
Many local Namibians celebrate Easter as they follow the Christian calendar. Many people will attend church services on Good Friday and Easter Monday, while others take advantage of the peak tourist season and keep their businesses open.

WIKA (Windhoek Karneval)
This is undoubtedly the most important cultural event in the capital. Celebrations begin with Prinzenball on the first Friday and see people go on to enjoy the Büttenabende (performances of music and sketches), Maskenball (the masked ball) and the Kehraus, which marks the end of the carnival. Festivities also include a ladies' night, a youth carnival and a children’s carnival.

Africa Day
Africa Day is held to promote integration and development in Africa. It is a celebration of all cultures and focuses on the past, present and future of the country. Neighbourhoods come together to try and dispel racial tensions and to promote cooperation and friendship.

KUSKA (Kuste Karneval)
Swakopmund celebrates its annual coastal carnival at the end of August. Festivities include street parades, all-night parties, food stalls serving up local delights and lots of drinking. There are many activites for children, insuring that the entire family can enjoy the party.

Maharero Day (Heroes’ Day)
This is one of Namibia's most colourful and spectacular annual events. It is held in celebration of the Red Flag Herero and takes place in Okahandaja. Military processions are accompanied by poems which are chanted in remembrance of former war heroes. Women dress in traditional costume and can be heard chanting throughout the processions.

Oktoberfest
This worldwide festival is held in Windhoek and sees crowds of people attending, all looking for fun and games. Despite being on a much smaller scale to the one in Munich, it is still one of the most important events of the year.

Christmas
Christmas in Namibia is a time when Christians throughout the country visit their local churches and celebrate Mass together. Church services are followed by a traditional dinner. It is only after dinner that children are allowed to open presents and sings carols.

Family Day
Family Day is celebrated on 26 December and is a time for families to come together and feast, remember their ancestors and enjoy the festivities. Games are often played among children and adults.

New Year’s Day 1 January
Independence Day 21 March
Easter date varies every year
Labour Day 1 May
Cassinga Day 4 May
Ascension 17 May
Africa Day 25 May
Heroes’ Day 26 August
International Human Rights Day 10 December
Christmas Day 25 December
Family/Goodwill Day 26 December