📅 holiday

Lesotho Independence Day

Sunday, October 4, 2026

— days to go

The Basotho nation was founded by King Moshoeshoe I, laying the foundations for modern-day Lesotho

History

Lesotho gained independence from Britain on October 4, 1966, after being colonized as Basutoland since the late 19th century. The Basotho nation was founded in 1822 by King Moshoeshoe I, who unified various groups and established Basutoland as a sovereign kingdom. Following British colonization through treaties with local chiefs, Basutoland became a British protectorate in 1868 to prevent annexation by Boer settlers and the South African Republic. The Basotho people maintained cultural identity throughout colonial rule. Following World War II, the Basutoland Congress Party led by Leabua Jonathan advocated for independence. Britain granted full independence on October 4, 1966, and Lesotho became a constitutional monarchy with Moshoeshoe II as king and Leabua Jonathan as prime minister. October 4 commemorates Lesotho's independence as a sovereign kingdom surrounded entirely by South Africa.

How It's Celebrated

Celebrate by learning more about the occasion, sharing on social media with relevant hashtags, participating in community events, or taking small personal actions that align with the day's theme.

Countries

🇱🇪 LE

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🌍 observance Mar 11

Moshoeshoe's Birthday

In 1786, Birth of. Moshoeshoe IMoshoeshoe I, the founding father of the Basotho nation, is born in Menkhoaneng, Lesotho

🌍 observance Apr 1

Arab American Heritage

First Wave of Arab Immigration. The first significant wave of Arab immigrants, predominantly Christians from Greater Syria (present-day Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine), arrived in the United States

JOLESY +1

🌍 observance Jul 17

King's Birthday in

In 1815, Birth of. Moshoeshoe IKing Moshoeshoe I, the founder of Lesotho, was born. His legacy continues to influence Lesotho's national identity

📅 holiday Nov 30

St Andrew's Day

Saint Andrew’s Day is celebrated every 30 November in Scotland. The day celebrates the Feast of Saint Andrew and is also considered Scotland’s National Day. In 2026, Saint Andrew's Day falls on Monday 30 November. The holiday will be on Tuesday 30 November in 2027. *Please refer to this note for Scotland-specific information. This patron saint day was declared a bank holiday in 2006 by the Scottish Parliament although banks are not required to close if they do not wish to. If 30 November occurs on a weekend, the bank holiday is moved to the following Monday. Saint Andrew is notable in that he was one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus Christ and was also the brother of Saint Peter. Before following Jesus, Andrew was a fisherman. He was born at Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee. The main colour you will see in Scotland on Saint Andrew’s Day is the white diagonal cross on blue background of the Scottish flag – the Saltire. This is the Saint Andrew’s cross, and represents the shape of the cross on which Saint Andrew was said to have been crucified. The history of the Scottish link to Saint Andrew goes back as far as 832AD when Óengus II promised God that if the Scots and Picts were victorious in battle against the Angles he would make Saint Andrew the patron saint of Scotland. And they were. Saint Andrew’s Day’s amazing menus include cullen skink (haddock and potato soup), highland venison casseroles, potted hough (shin) with mustard sauce and Scottish tablet (a very sweet treat). Events around Scotland include flag ceremonies, the Shindig in George Square of Glasgow that features live music, and local celebrations in the town of Saint Andrews in the Kingdom of Fife. There is also free entry to many of Scotland’s castles and attractions on the day. Scotland has a free Saint Andrew’s Day app available for iPhone and Android with Scottish and worldwide events, menu ideas and much more.