August 26

Established to remember the tragic events of the early 1900s, Herero Day commemorates the Battle of Waterberg and the wider genocide perpetrated by German colonial forces against the Herero and Namaqua peoples. Each year, families gather at Rietfontein cemetery near Okahandja to pay respects. The central ceremony features keynote speeches, traditional mourning songs, and wreath-laying rituals. Community leaders and descendants reflect on the resilience of their ancestors and the enduring impact of colonial violence. It serves both as a remembrance of past atrocities and a call for historical justice and reconciliation. Officially recognized as a public holiday since Namibia's independence in 1990, Herero Day fosters national unity and awareness of the country's diverse heritage. Observances often include cultural performances, educational programs, and moments of silence to honor those who suffered.

Established to commemorate the first armed struggle against colonial rule in 1966, Heroes' Day recognizes the bravery of freedom fighters from the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO). Held annually on the last Monday of August, the day features military parades, cultural dances, and public speeches. Ceremonies at the Heroes' Acre memorial near Windhoek attract government officials and veterans. The event fosters national pride and pays tribute to those who laid down their lives for liberation. Educational exhibits and school programs emphasize the history of the independence movement. While not a burial day, it is a time for reflection and unity across Namibian society. Flags fly at half-mast to honor the fallen, and community gatherings strengthen the shared commitment to peace and democracy.

First declared in the late 1960s by Christian missionaries, Repentance Day encourages individuals and communities to engage in prayer, confession, and fasting. Observed on August 26, the day features church services across denominations, where leaders call for personal and collective moral reflection. Businesses and schools often close or hold special assemblies to accommodate worship activities. Families come together to share testimonies and seek reconciliation with each other and with God. Although not a statutory holiday nationwide, many regions observe it with varying degrees of formality. The tradition underscores the strong influence of Christianity in Papua New Guinean society. In recent years, civic groups have used the occasion to address social issues like peacebuilding and community health.

Designated by Congress in 1971 to honor women's suffrage, Women's Equality Day marks the anniversary of the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment. The day promotes awareness of women's rights and achievements in the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Schools, nonprofits, and government agencies host events, panel discussions, and educational programs highlighting women's contributions across all fields. Presidential proclamations often underscore the importance of equal opportunities in voting, employment, and civic participation. Grassroots organizations use the occasion to advocate for policies such as equal pay and reproductive rights. Social media campaigns and public lectures inspire new generations to continue the work of earlier suffragists. Despite not being a federal holiday with time off, it remains a significant marker of progress in American civil rights history.