Heroes Day is for remembering people who worked hard for Zambia in the past - inventors, teachers, builders, doctors, sports stars and leaders. Many families look back at photo albums, tell their children stories about grandparents, and share what their own family has done over the years.
Unity Day, on the day after, has a different feeling. Zambia has more than 70 different ethnic groups and many languages, and the idea of 'unity' means that whatever group you come from, you are part of one Zambia together. The country's motto is 'One Zambia, One Nation'.
On the long weekend, towns hold sports matches, music concerts, family picnics and big meals. Some workplaces and schools give awards to students or workers who have done something special. Markets are busy with families buying food for shared lunches.
Many Zambian children get the chance to perform a dance or song from their own community at school just before the holiday. Some classes invite older relatives in to talk about their lives. It is a way of remembering the past and feeling proud of how many different threads make up one country.