May has always been Namibia's month of celebration. Four public holidays usually offered the opportunity to extend the weekend or even get a week off with just a few days of leave. From this year, Namibians will have even more days off: the four public holidays will be joined by a fifth.
The celebrations in May begin on Day 1 with Labour Day, which is celebrated worldwide. As it falls on a Thursday this year, a long weekend can be created with a day off on Friday....
....which even includes Monday. Because on 4 May, Namibia commemorates the victims of the South African attack on the Cassinga camp in 1978 during the liberation struggle. The 4th of May is a Sunday. Thus, according to Namibian regulations, Cassinga Day is celebrated on Monday.
The remaining three public holidays allow Namibians to take the entire last week of May off with two days of leave.
Africa Day on Sunday, 25 May, makes Monday, 26 May, a post-holiday. Genocide Remembrance Day is celebrated for the first time on 28 May. It was proclaimed a year ago to commemorate the victims of the OvaHerero and Nama during the German colonial era. And 29 May is Ascension Day.
Authorities may also be closed on bridging days
Self-drivers and self-planners among Namibia holidaymakers could be less pleased about the public holiday galore. Authorities are likely to be largely closed from 1 to 5 May and in the week from 26 to 30 May. Many shops and offices will also be closed on these days. Supermarkets in the larger towns should be open, however.
In addition, heavy traffic is expected on the motorways and major gravel roads as early as tomorrow afternoon. Many Namibians are likely to be on their way home again on Monday.
For the holiday week at the end of May, the main traffic can be expected on 23 and 24 May (Friday and Saturday). The main day for return traffic is likely to be 1 June (Sunday).
An overview of Namibian public holidays is provided by Namibian.org in its Travel Advice section .
Sven-Eric Stender
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