The most important cultural celebration in Lesotho is Moshoeshoe’s Day which brings the whole nation together in all ten districts for a commemoration of their beloved king on the day of his death March 11, 1870. School children prepare throughout the year for choir and dance group performances. Communities gather to prepare and share traditional foods and give thanks to King Moshoeshoe, the great leader and founder of this Basotho nation, who during the early 1800's appealed to Great Britain for protection from the Boers and to become a British protectorate. Basotho people are proud and determined to remain an independent nation.