MASERU, Oct. 4: Lesotho marked 60 years of independence on Sunday with a colourful national celebration at Setsoto Stadium, bringing together thousands of Basotho, senior leaders, diplomatic representatives and international guests.
King Letsie III led the celebrations in Maseru, joined by Prime Minister Samuel Matekane and other senior government officials and dignitaries. Among the regional guests was Eswatini’s King Mswati III, who travelled to Lesotho to join King Letsie III in commemorating the Kingdom’s 60th anniversary.
The gathering brought together Basotho from different walks of life, alongside diplomatic partners and visitors from across the world, for a day centred on national pride, unity and patriotism. 
The stadium was dominated by Lesotho’s national colours of blue, white and green, with thousands of people wearing the colours and waving national flags as the celebrations unfolded.
The colours carried particular significance during the anniversary. Blue represents rain and the sky, white represents peace, while green represents prosperity and the land.
The crowd sang patriotic songs and cheered throughout the programme, creating a festive atmosphere as Lesotho celebrated six decades of independence.
Traditional and contemporary performances by local artists added to the celebrations, providing entertainment while showcasing the country’s cultural heritage. The performances drew enthusiastic responses from the crowd gathered at the stadium.
The attendance of international leaders, diplomatic representatives and other guests also reflected Lesotho’s relationships with countries and institutions around the world.
Basotho gather at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru on Sunday, October 4, 2026, for Lesotho’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations, featuring patriotic displays, cultural performances, music and a colourful display of the national colours. 
King Letsie III of Lesotho attends the Kingdom’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru on Sunday, October 4, 2026. 
Basotho gather at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru on Sunday, October 4, 2026, for Lesotho’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations, featuring patriotic displays, cultural performances, music and a colourful display of the national colours. 
King Letsie III of Lesotho attends the Kingdom’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru on Sunday, October 4, 2026. 
King Letsie III of Lesotho attends the Kingdom’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru on Sunday, October 4, 2026. 
Basotho gather at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru on Sunday, October 4, 2026, for Lesotho’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations, featuring patriotic displays, cultural performances, music and a colourful display of the national colours. 
King Letsie III of Lesotho attends the Kingdom’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru on Sunday, October 4, 2026. 
King Mswati III of Eswatini joins King Letsie III and other dignitaries at Lesotho’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru. 
Lesotho Prime Minister Samuel Matekane joins King Letsie III and other dignitaries during the Kingdom’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru. 
King Mswati III of Eswatini joins King Letsie III and other dignitaries at Lesotho’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru. 
