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Cape Town Facts

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.

Celebrated Days/ Events

* 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 11 May
World Environment Day 5 June
Father's Day 15 June
Nelson Mandela's Birthday 18 July
Arbor Week 1 September - 7 September
Secretary's Day 3 September
Boss's Day 16 October
National Marine Day 5 November
World Aids Day 1 December

School Terms

First term 15 January - 28 March
Second term 7 April - 27 June
Third term 21 July - 3 October
Fourth term 13 October - 10 December

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