Back to country calendar
Public Holiday Nationwide

Freedom Day

April 2028
2627282930311
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30123456
Holiday selected

🏪 What's open

  • Banks Closed
  • Government offices Closed
  • Schools Closed
  • Shops Varies
  • Restaurants Reduced
  • Public transit Reduced
  • Stock market Closed
  • Post office Closed

🛋️ Long weekend potential

4-Day Block
THU 27 Holiday
FRI 28 Bridge Day
SAT 29 Weekend
SUN 30 Weekend

4-day weekend with a bridge day on April 28

📣 Traveler notes

South Africa, the southernmost country in Africa, is known as the 'Rainbow Nation' for its rich culture, diverse flora, fauna, and history. It boasts widely varying landscapes and is characterized by its diverse population and twelve official languages.

  • Major public holidays include New Year's Day (January 1st), Human Rights Day (March 21st), Easter weekend (a four-day long weekend), and Freedom Day (April 27th).
  • Generally, South Africans are polite and friendly. While public displays of affection are usually acceptable (with caution), engaging in respectful, casual conversation with strangers is common in public places. When in doubt, mirroring local politeness is advisable. The country's diverse etiquette rules vary by cultural group, especially regarding dining customs; observing local practices while remaining flexible is recommended. Travelers should avoid making political or historical remarks about the country's past, particularly concerning apartheid, unless they are prepared to discuss the topic sensitively.

About this holiday

Freedom Day is a public holiday in South Africa observed on April 27th. It commemorates the first post-apartheid elections held in 1994 and the day the new constitution was introduced. These were the first national elections allowing all adults (over 18) of any race group to vote.