Zimbabwe holiday calendar
Public holidays in Zimbabwe 2026
Calendar compilation last reviewed
Plan the year with every Zimbabwe public holiday, regional date and major cultural observance in our calendar. Each entry links to a detailed guide covering its history, status, traditions and sources.
- Public holidays
- 14
- Regional dates
- 0
- Observances
- 0
- Substitute dates
- 0
How public holidays work in Zimbabwe
The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Zimbabwe calendar. Regional holidays may apply only in a particular state, province, territory or community, while an observance does not automatically mean that workplaces, schools or public services close.
No separate substitute dates are currently listed for 2026. Weekend and time-off rules can still vary by employer, region and holiday, so consult the linked guide and primary source before making arrangements. April is the busiest month, with 5 listed dates.
Zimbabwe holiday dates in 2026
The table lists 14 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.
| Date | Holiday | Type | Observed day |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s DayZimbabwe’s January 1 public holiday, opening the civil year after New Year’s Eve gatherings and crossover services. | Public holiday | — | |
| National Youth DayThe February 21 public holiday legally named for Robert Mugabe and now programmed around youth participation, skills and opportunity. | Public holiday | — | |
| Good FridayThe statutory Friday before Easter Sunday, combining solemn Christian worship with the start of Zimbabwe’s four-day Easter break. | Public holiday | — | |
| Easter SaturdayZimbabwe’s statutory Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, a separate public holiday within the Easter weekend. | Public holiday | — | |
| Easter SundayThe Christian resurrection celebration, expressly included in Zimbabwe’s official 2026 public-holiday schedule. | Public holiday | — | |
| Easter MondayThe statutory Monday after Easter Sunday, completing Zimbabwe’s regular four-day Easter public-holiday period. | Public holiday | — | |
| Independence DayThe April 18 national holiday marking internationally recognised independence and majority rule in 1980. | Public holiday | — | |
| Workers’ DayZimbabwe’s May 1 public holiday for workers, trade-union organisation and debate about wages, safety and decent work. | Public holiday | — | |
| Africa DayThe May 25 public holiday connecting Zimbabwe with the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity and continuing continental cooperation. | Public holiday | — | |
| Heroes’ DayThe second Monday in August, commemorating designated national heroes and the broader sacrifices surrounding liberation. | Public holiday | — | |
| Defence Forces DayThe Tuesday after Heroes’ Day, recognising Zimbabwe’s defence institutions and their constitutional public responsibilities. | Public holiday | — | |
| National Unity DayThe December 22 holiday marking the 1987 Unity Accord while recognising both the end of mass violence and unresolved demands for truth and repair. | Public holiday | — | |
| Christmas DayZimbabwe’s December 25 public holiday, marked through diverse Christian worship, homecoming, meals and remembrance. | Public holiday | — | |
| Boxing DayThe separate December 26 public holiday extending Zimbabwe’s Christmas and family-travel season. | Public holiday | — |
Sources for Zimbabwe holidays
Calendar dates and classifications are checked against the primary calendar sources below. Historical and cultural claims have additional citations on each individual holiday guide.
- zimlii.orgPrimary calendar source
- veritaszim.netPrimary calendar source
- zimlii.orgPrimary calendar source
- veritaszim.netPrimary calendar source
- zctu.co.zwPrimary calendar source
- au.intPrimary calendar source
- heraldonline.co.zwPrimary calendar source
- zna.gov.zwPrimary calendar source
- cris.library.msu.ac.zwPrimary calendar source