Matric dance
Bridal and formalwear stores in the Grand Bazaar see their second-busiest stretch of the year as matric dance gowns and suits get ordered and fitted. Go early in the week and early in the season for the most time with a fitter.
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Events & seasonal hours
Oriental Plaza's calendar moves around the Islamic calendar and the South African retail season more than fixed dates — here's what changes and when, confirmed by the management office for 2026.
November & December
Matric dance, Black Friday and the festive season
Black Friday sales
Look out for Black Friday specials from traders across the Plaza, running into the weekend — and the Plaza opens on Sunday 29 November too. Deals are announced on our Instagram and Facebook in the week before.
29 Nov, 6, 13 & 20 Dec
The Plaza opens four extra Sundays this festive season, 9am–3pm each — starting with Black Friday weekend. Parking fills earlier than usual, so arrive before 10am.
Ramadan, earlier in 2026
Sunday trade on 1 and 8 March
During Ramadan 2026 the Plaza opened two extra Sundays — 9am to 3pm, on top of the usual Monday–Saturday hours. Ramadan moves with the Islamic calendar each year; next year's Sunday dates will be posted on our socials.
1 & 8 March 2026
9am–3pm. Not every trader participates — phone ahead for a specific shop.
Friday prayer break holds
The regular 12:30–1:30pm closure for Friday prayers still applies through Ramadan.
Busiest trading of the year
The run-up to Eid is the Plaza's peak period for bridal, fabric and fashion — expect full parking from mid-morning.
Public holidays
2026 public holiday hours
Confirmed by the management office. The Plaza opens 9am–3pm on most public holidays — the same as a Saturday — with three full closures.
- Saturday, 21 March — Human Rights Day9am – 3pm
- Friday, 3 April — Good FridayClosed
- Monday, 6 April — Family Day9am – 3pm
- Monday, 27 April — Freedom Day9am – 3pm
- Friday, 1 May — Workers' Day9am – 3pm
- Tuesday, 16 June — Youth Day9am – 3pm
- Monday, 10 August — National Women's Day (observed)9am – 3pm
- Thursday, 24 September — Heritage Day9am – 3pm
- Wednesday, 16 December — Day of Reconciliation9am – 3pm
- Friday, 25 December — Christmas DayClosed
- Saturday, 26 December — Day of GoodwillClosed
Closed days
Three fixed closed days a year
The Plaza does not trade on Good Friday, Christmas Day or the Day of Goodwill — every other day of the year, including most public holidays, it keeps trading.
- Good FridayClosed
- Christmas DayClosed
- Day of GoodwillClosed
Confirm before you drive out
Public holiday and Sunday dates are set annually by the Body Corporate and can shift from year to year. The dates above are confirmed for 2026 — if you're reading this later, check with the management office first.