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Mark your calendars for July 17, because it's time to celebrate King's Birthday in Lesotho! This national holiday is a day of great significance, as it commemorates the birth of His Majesty King Letsie III. The king is an important figure in Lesotho, as he serves as the head of state and plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability within the country. On this day, people come together to honor their beloved king through cultural performances, feasts, and other festive activities. So let's join in on the celebration and show our appreciation for King Letsie III on this special day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1815</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Moshoeshoe I</div><div class='timeline-text'>King Moshoeshoe I, the founder of Lesotho, was born. His legacy continues to influence Lesotho's national identity.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1965</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of King Letsie III</div><div class='timeline-text'>On July 17, King Letsie III was born – a date that would later become a national holiday.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Reign of Letsie III</div><div class='timeline-text'>King Letsie III begins his first reign following the forced exile of his father, King Moshoeshoe II.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>King’s Birthday Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>The tradition of celebrating the King's birthday gains momentum, with increasing public participation and festivities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Official Holiday Declaration</div><div class='timeline-text'>July 17 is officially declared as a national holiday to honor the birth of King Letsie III.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Join in on the celebrations by attending a cultural festival in honor of King's Birthday. This will give you the opportunity to learn more about Lesotho's rich history and traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread kindness and celebrate King's Birthday by volunteering at a local charity or organization that supports the community. This is a great way to give back and honor the King's legacy of service.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a traditional feast</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family together to celebrate King's Birthday with a traditional feast featuring Lesotho's cuisine. This is a great way to honor the King and enjoy delicious food with loved ones.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Lesotho's history</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn more about Lesotho's history and the role of the King in shaping the country. This will deepen your understanding and appreciation for the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create traditional crafts</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and celebrate King's Birthday by making traditional crafts and decorations. This is a fun and hands-on way to honor the holiday and showcase the vibrant culture of Lesotho.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the life and legacy of a beloved leader</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>King’s Birthday in Lesotho is a national holiday that honors the country's monarch, King Letsie III. It's a day to celebrate and reflect on his contributions to the nation and his dedication to improving the lives of his people.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a time for unity and pride</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On this special day, people from all walks of life come together to honor their king. It's a time to put aside differences and celebrate as one nation, united by a shared love and respect for their leader.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a day filled with festivities and traditions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>King's Birthday in Lesotho is celebrated with parades, feasts, music, and dance performances. It's also customary for people to wear traditional attire and participate in cultural activities. This holiday is not only a time to honor the king, but also a time to celebrate the rich history and traditions of Lesotho.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>King Letsie III is a champion of food security</h3><p class='facts-content'>King Letsie III is recognized internationally as an advocate for food security and healthy diets, having served as the African Union's champion for nutrition and the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization's special ambassador for nutrition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Three milestones mark King Letsie III’s reign</h3><p class='facts-content'>His Majesty King Letsie III has had three distinctive reigns: Once as the Crown Prince, once following the exile of his father, and the most recent one after his father's accidental death in 1996.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>King Letsie III pursued his education internationally</h3><p class='facts-content'>King Letsie III studied law at Bristol University in England, took his bar examination at the English Language School in Cambridge, and completed a diploma in development studies at Cambridge University.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The King’s birthday celebration is marked by color and joy</h3><p class='facts-content'>On King's Birthday, it is customary for locals to dress in vibrant and colorful clothes known as Seshoeshoe or Basotho blankets, contributing to a festive atmosphere that highlights the cultural heritage and unity of the nation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>King Letsie III is the patron of various organizations</h3><p class='facts-content'>In addition to his role as king, Letsie III also serves as the patron of several national and international organizations, including the Lesotho Scouts Association and the Red Cross Society, reflecting his dedication to humanitarian and development work.</p></div></div>
King's Birthday in Lesotho is celebrated on July 17 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Wednesday.
2023
Jul 17
Monday
2024
Jul 17
Wednesday
2025
Jul 17
Thursday
2026
Jul 17
Friday
2027
Jul 17
Saturday
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