Genocide Day concludes Namibia's 'Commemoration May'

1 May: Labor Day. 4 May: Cassinga Day. 14 May: Ascension Day. 25 May: Africa Day. And finally, since last year, 28 May: Genocide Remembrance Day. These five official holidays make May an ideal month for a holiday in Namibia.

Especially this week, with its two public holidays, many Namibians are on the move. Some are going camping in nature, others to the coast. Many are visiting family in other towns or on farms. Heavy traffic is therefore expected on the trunk roads, and a wave of returning travellers is anticipated on Sunday.

Many offices, shops and authorities will be closed also on Friday to allow for a long weekend. Supermarkets in larger towns, should be open throughout. However, they are prohibited from selling alcohol on the public holiday, Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday.

Genocide Remembrance Day, tomorrow, 28 May, will be observed for the second time this year. The government proclaimed it two years ago to commemorate the victims of the genocide against the OvaHerero and Nama. It took place from 1904 to 1908 during the German colonial period (1884 to 1915).

Unlike the introduction of the public holiday day last year, this time there will be no central ceremony. Each region will hold its own events. Nevertheless, the memorial service on Shark Island in Lüderitz is considered a central event.

An overview of the Namibian public holiday calendar is available on Namibian.org in its Travel Advice section.

Genocide memorial in front of the Alte Feste in Windhoek. On Genocide Remembrance Day 28 May 2026, Namibia commemorates the victims of the genocide of the OvaHerero and Nama from 1904 to 1908.  Photo: Sven-Eric Stender