King’s Birthday in Lesotho is commemorated with gusto on July 17. The date was chosen to commemorate the birth of monarch Letsie III, the current monarch of Lesotho, who was born on this day. This monarchy, like so many others throughout the world, is primarily symbolic, and the royal family has only limited actual authority.
The background of King’s Birthday in Lesotho
The Lesotho region has long been protected from potential invaders by imposing mountains and limited valleys. This protection extended as far back as the Neolithic Period, when hunter-gatherers inhabited this land.
During the nineteenth century, when the Sotho people, commanded by King Moshoeshoe I, settled in this region, this protection was also beneficial. At least until the British rule of 1868, the region was proclaimed a British Protectorate — a territory governed and protected by another — and did not regain its independence until 1966. Moshoeshoe II, a descendant of Moshoeshoe I, was crowned the new king of Lesotho. However, his authority was fraught with tension. His opposition to apartheid rule resulted in two depositions, and because the region favoured a hereditary constitutional monarchy, his eldest son was required to rule in his father’s place during the interim. King Moshoeshoe II was exiled in 1990, reinstated five years later, and died in an automobile accident the following year.
Prince David Mohato Bereng Seeiso, or Letsie III, ascended to the throne upon the death of his father and has held the position ever since. Since 2003, the formal birthday celebrations for the monarch, which are a major public event, have been cycled throughout the nation. This was done to introduce Lesotho locals to the event and give them the opportunity to sample various cultural delicacies from across the nation. The festivities include special award ceremonies, military parades, special prayers for the nation, and traditional song and dance routines.
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KING’S BIRTHDAY IN LESOTHO ACTIVITIES
Black and gold attire
Wear these colours to represent the Makaota community, which consists of several Lesotho villages. To get into the atmosphere of the celebrations, you can even decorate your home with black and gold.
View films inspired by Lesotho
Have a small viewing celebration with a Lesotho-themed theme. You can rewatch blockbuster films like the “Black Panther” series — and attempt to find the similarities between Wakanda and Lesotho — and view films produced in the country, such as “This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection” (2020).
Explore the culture of Lesotho
Listen to traditional music, examine traditional attire, and sample authentic cuisine. To learn more about this culture and its customs, you can locate and register for cultural activities and other celebrations of Lesotho.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT LESOTHO AND KING LETSIE III
“The Maloti Mountains,” in which Lesotho is located, are the highest mountains of this type in Southern Africa.
Lesotho is one of only three independent states that is wholly surrounded by the territory of another country, and the only one that is not located on the Italian peninsula.
Moreover, it is noteworthy that he is the only Catholic monarch of an African nation.
Major U.S. retailers such as Gap, Gloria Vanderbilt, JCPenney, Saks, Timberland, Wal-Mart, and Levi Strauss have sourced their apparel from Lesotho.
According to numerous sources close to the king, he spends much of his leisure time in Lesotho visiting his family’s cattle posts.
KING’S BIRTHDAY IN LESOTHO DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | July 17 | Monday |
2024 | July 17 | Wednesday |
2025 | July 17 | Thursday |
2026 | July 17 | Friday |
2027 | July 17 | Saturday |