South Africans are big on their public holidays. In addition to what seems like a country-wide-shut down from December through January when just about every non-holiday-making business either closes their doors or runs on the barest minimum services, there are more than 10 official public holidays. Even these are expanded depending on what day of the week they land. You'll find many holidays which stretch out into long weekends, as if a holiday falls on a Sunday then the following Monday is also designated a public holiday. Well, you know what they say, when in South Africa…celebrate like the South Africans!

New Year's Day January 1
Human Rights Day March 21
Good Friday April 14
Family Day April 17
Freedom Day April 27
Worker's Day May 1
Youth Day June 16
National Women's Days August 9
Heritage Day September 24
Reconciliation Day December 16
Christmas Day December 25
Day of Goodwill December 26