Date	Holiday Name
2026-01-01	New Year’s Day
2026-01-02	Tweede Nuwe Jaar
2026-01-16	Isra and Mi’raj
2026-02-15	Maha Shivaratri
2026-02-18	Ramadan Start
2026-02-21	Armed Forces Day
2026-03-03	Holi
2026-03-15	Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power)
2026-03-20	Eid ul Fitr
2026-03-20T16:46:00+02:00	March Equinox
2026-03-21	Human Rights Day
2026-04-03	Good Friday
2026-04-04	Holy Saturday
2026-04-05	Easter Sunday
2026-04-06	Family Day
2026-04-27	Freedom Day
2026-05-01	Workers’ Day
2026-05-10	Mother’s Day
2026-05-27	Eid al-Adha
2026-06-16	Youth Day
2026-06-17	Muharram/Islamic New Year
2026-06-21	Father’s Day
2026-06-21T10:24:30+02:00	June Solstice
2026-07-18	Nelson Mandela Day
2026-08-09	National Women’s Day
2026-08-10	Day off for National Women’s Day
2026-08-26	Milad un Nabi (Mawlid)
2026-08-27	Raksha Bandhan
2026-09-04	Janmashtami
2026-09-14	Ganesh Chaturthi
2026-09-23T02:05:13+02:00	September Equinox
2026-09-24	Heritage Day
2026-10-11	Navaratri
2026-10-20	Dussehra
2026-11-08	Diwali/Deepavali
2026-12-16	Day of Reconciliation
2026-12-21T22:50:14+02:00	December Solstice
2026-12-24	Christmas Eve
2026-12-25	Christmas Day
2026-12-26	Day of Goodwill
2026-12-31	New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Day Introduction

New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year, a tradition embraced by cultures worldwide. This holiday symbolizes fresh starts and new opportunities, prompting individuals to reflect on the past year while setting resolutions for personal improvement. Interestingly, New Year’s celebrations date back over 4,000 years to ancient Babylon, where the spring equinox was once celebrated as the new year. Different cultures have unique customs; for instance, in Spain, it’s traditional to eat twelve grapes at midnight—one for each stroke of the clock, symbolizing good luck for each month ahead. In the United States, the iconic ball drop in Times Square has been a focal point since 1907, attracting millions of spectators. Moreover, many countries have their own unique New Year celebrations based on lunar or agricultural calendars, showcasing the diversity of customs and traditions associated with this universally cherished holiday.

Tweede Nuwe Jaar Introduction

Tweede Nuwe Jaar, or “Second New Year,” is a vibrant and culturally rich holiday celebrated primarily in South Africa, particularly within the Cape Malay community. This festive occasion occurs on January 2nd, following the traditional New Year’s Day. Its roots lie in the Cape Malay culture, which has a unique blend of influences from the indigenous Khoisan people, enslaved Africans, and European settlers.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Tweede Nuwe Jaar is the spectacular Cape Minstrel Carnival, where thousands of brightly dressed participants parade through the streets of Cape Town. This event features lively music, dancing, and the rhythmic sounds of drums, showcasing the rich heritage and joyful spirit of the community. The holiday serves as a time for families to come together, enjoy delicious traditional foods, and celebrate the promise of the new year. The vibrant colors, joyful sounds, and rich traditions make Tweede Nuwe Jaar a truly unique celebration that highlights the cultural diversity of South Africa.

Isra and Mi’raj Introduction

Isra and Mi’raj, celebrated by Muslims worldwide, commemorates the miraculous night journey of the Prophet Muhammad. According to Islamic tradition, this event took place in the year 621 CE. The first part, Isra, refers to Muhammad’s journey from the Kaaba in Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, while Mi’raj describes his ascension to the heavens, where he met various prophets and received the command for the five daily prayers. This profound event is significant not only for its spiritual implications but also for highlighting the importance of prayer in Islam. Observances typically include special prayers, reflections on the Prophet’s life, and community gatherings, fostering unity and faith among Muslims. The night of Isra and Mi’raj falls on the 27th day of the Islamic month of Rajab, and its rich historical context continues to inspire believers today.

Maha Shivaratri Introduction

Maha Shivaratri, meaning “the Great Night of Shiva,” is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, celebrated annually in honor of Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer within the Trimurti, which includes Brahma and Vishnu. This festival typically falls on the 14th night of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna, which usually corresponds to February or March in the Gregorian calendar. Devotees observe the occasion with fervent rituals, including fasting, night-long vigils, and worship at Shiva temples, where the sacred symbol of the Lingam is adorned with offerings of milk, honey, and flowers.

An interesting aspect of Maha Shivaratri is its deep spiritual significance; it is believed that on this night, Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. Additionally, many devotees believe that worshiping Shiva on this night can help them overcome obstacles and attain peace and fulfillment. The festival is also marked by numerous cultural events, including classical dance performances and devotional singing. In many regions, people engage in storytelling and sharing the significance of Shiva’s legends, enriching the community’s cultural tapestry. Maha Shivaratri not only celebrates the divine but also fosters a sense of unity and devotion among its followers, making it a truly remarkable occasion in the Hindu calendar.

Ramadan Start Introduction

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a significant and sacred period observed by millions of Muslims worldwide. It marks the beginning of a month-long fast, commemorating the moment when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan, from dawn until sunset, adherents refrain from food, drink, and personal vices, fostering a spirit of self-discipline, reflection, and community. The fast is broken each evening with a meal called iftar, often starting with dates and water, symbolizing unity and gratitude. Interestingly, the timing of Ramadan shifts annually due to the lunar calendar, moving approximately 10 to 12 days earlier each year. This means that over a cycle of about 33 years, Ramadan can occur in every season, presenting unique challenges and experiences for the faithful. Beyond fasting, Ramadan emphasizes increased prayer, charitable deeds, and spiritual growth, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month with feasting and community gatherings.