HOLIDAYS

In the major cities most cinemas and restaurants are open on public holidays. Post offices, banks and other administrative offices are closed on Public Holidays. The Western Cape's diverse population also celebrates Hindu, Islamic and Jewish holidays such as Deepavali, Eid, and Channukah. South Africa's long summer months (December to March) coincide with the end of the academic year and the six-week long school summer vacation. This is the time when South Africans like to explore and holiday so expect accommodation and attractions to be at their fullest. Schools in the Cape close at the beginning of December and the next school year begins in late January. Schools and universities also enjoy a three-week winter break from the end of June until late July.

Public Holidays in South Africa:

1 January	New Year's Day
21 March	Human Rights Day
6 April (Friday before Easter Sunday)	Good Friday
9 April (Monday after Easter Sunday)	Family Day
27 April	Freedom Day
1 May	Workers Day
16 June	Youth Day
9 August	National Women's Day
24 September	Heritage Day
16 December	Day of Reconciliation
25 December	Christmas Day
26 December	Day of Goodwill

NOTE: If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday (next day) is a public holiday.



Religious Holidays in 2007

* Please note that Religious Holidays are not Public Holidays.

Islamic Holy Days

Muharram (Islamic New Year)	20 January Muharram, 1428
Birth of Prophet (Peace be upon him)	2 May/ 12 Rabi-ul-awwal, 1428
Commencement of Ramadhaan (Fasting)	13 September Ramadhaan, 1428
Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadhaan)	13 October Shawaal, 1428
Eid-al-Adha (Festive of Sacrifice)	20 December Zul Hajjah, 1428

Jewish Holy Days

Pesach (Passover)	3/ 4 April - 9/ 10 April
Shavuot (Pentecost)	23 - 24 May
Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year)	13/ 14 September
Tzom Gedalya (Fast of Gedalya)	16 September
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)	22 September
Sukkot-Hashana Rabba (Tabernacles)	27 September - 3 October
Channukah (Festival of Lights)	5 December/ 12 December

Hindu Festivals

Makar Sankranti	14 January
Maha Shivaratri	16 February
Hindu/ Telugu New Year	21 March
Ramayan Week	19 - 28 March
Rama Navami	27 March
Tamil New Year	14 April
Gita Week Begins	28 August
Janmashtami	4 September
Deepavali/Diwali	9 November

Celebrated Days/ Events (2007)

* Please note these days are celebrated or commemorated days, and not Public Holidays. They are normal working days.

Valentine's Day	14 February
April Fool's Day	1 April
Mother's Day	9 May
World Environment Day	5 June
Father's Day	20 June
Nelson Mandela's Birthday	18 July
Arbor Week	28 August - 3 September
Secretary's Day	1 September
Boss's Day	15 October
National Marine Day	5 November
World Aids Day	1 December

Celebrated Days/ Events (2007)

* Please note these days are celebrated or commemorated days, and not Public Holidays. They are normal working days.

First term	20 January - 31 March
Second term	15 April - 30 June
Third term	21 July - 23 September
Fourth term	4 October - 3 December