Independence Day
Saturday, 21 Mar 2026 · Namibia · Nationwide · Public holiday
Bridge day check
Falls on the weekend, so it costs most people no leave — and in many countries no day is given back.
What the day is for
Marks 21 March 1990, when Namibia became independent from South African rule after a long liberation struggle and a UN-supervised transition. The main celebration is a state event with a presidential address, military parade and flag ceremony, held in Windhoek or rotated to a regional town.
Do shops and banks close?
Government offices, banks and most businesses close. Supermarkets and fuel stations in towns usually stay open, often with shorter hours.
Getting around
Roads around the host venue close for the ceremony. Long-distance roads get busier when 21 March falls next to a weekend.
When it falls each year
Floating holidays shift; fixed ones move only in which weekday they land on.
See the full Namibia holiday calendar or count the working days.