Moshoeshoe I's Day is a significant national holiday in Lesotho, celebrated annually on the 11th of March. This day is dedicated to the country's founder, Moshoeshoe I, who was a paramount chief in the 19th century. Born around 1786, Moshoeshoe I created the Sotho Kingdom of Lesotho in Southern Africa. The day is set aside to pay tribute to his impressive leadership and vision that had laid the foundation for present-day Lesotho.
On Moshoeshoe I's Day, various events are held across the country to commemorate and celebrate this influential leader. These may include cultural festivities, speeches by political and traditional leaders, horse races, games, concerts, and communal feasts. Through these activities, the people of Lesotho honor the legacy and contributions of Moshoeshoe I. His successful diplomacy and negotiation tactics, his humanity and fairness towards not only his people but also the foreigners and refugees, his passion for peace, and his wisdom in leading the country, are lauded.
Moshoeshoe I is widely remembered for successfully protecting his kingdom from the aggressive expansion of both Zulu and European colonial powers. He established diplomatic relations with the British, eventually seeking their protection against the Boers, which kept the land under Basotho control. Today, as Lesotho celebrates Moshoeshoe I's Day, the nation reaffirms its independence, unity, and strength. This holiday serves as a symbol of the country's rich history and ancestral heritage.