Mauritius Public Holidays
Mauritius Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Mauritius? All public holidays in Mauritius are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Mauritius employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Mauritius and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Description
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is one of the most widely celebrated public holidays in Mauritius, where the occasion is observed with family gatherings, parties, and festive meals. The day is an opportunity for people to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the year ahead.
In Mauritius, many citizens attend church services to mark the start of the new year, while others spend time with family and friends. In major cities like Port Louis, the atmosphere is festive, with various public celebrations, fireworks, and music. Although the holiday is celebrated across all communities in Mauritius, the celebrations may differ slightly depending on religious and cultural traditions.
Duration
New Year’s Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Mauritius.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Tamil Thai Pongal (January 14)
Description
Tamil Thai Pongal is an important harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil community in Mauritius, generally on January 14th. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God and is a time of thanksgiving for the harvest. It is celebrated with traditional rituals, including the preparation of the Pongal dish (a sweet rice dish) and the offering of prayers.
The day is marked by cultural and religious ceremonies in Tamil temples across the island. It is also a time for families to come together and share meals, exchange gifts, and enjoy music and dance. Though primarily a Hindu celebration, the holiday is recognized as a public holiday, and many people take the day off to participate in the festivities.
Duration
Tamil Thai Pongal is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily the Tamil community.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Independence Day (March 12)
Description
Independence Day in Mauritius is celebrated on March 12th, marking the day in 1968 when Mauritius gained independence from the United Kingdom. This day is a national holiday and is celebrated with great pride and patriotism. It is a time to reflect on the country’s journey toward independence and its subsequent growth as a free and sovereign nation.
The holiday is marked by official ceremonies, including flag-raising events, speeches by government officials, and military parades. The celebration typically includes cultural performances that reflect the diversity of Mauritius, as well as exhibitions and displays highlighting the country’s historical milestones.
Duration
Independence Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Mauritius.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Labour Day (May 1)
Description
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, is a global holiday that honors the contributions of workers. In Mauritius, the day is celebrated with marches, parades, and speeches. Labour Day is a time for workers and unions to unite and raise awareness about workers’ rights, social justice, and labor reforms.
In Mauritius, Labour Day is celebrated with various public events, including processions organized by trade unions and workers’ organizations. The day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in labor rights while continuing to advocate for improved working conditions and fair wages.
Duration
Labour Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, particularly workers and union members.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Eid al-Fitr (Variable Date, April or May)
Description
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant religious holidays in Mauritius, celebrated by the Muslim community to mark the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The date varies each year, depending on the Islamic lunar calendar, but it generally falls in April or May. Eid al-Fitr is a time for thanksgiving and celebration, and it is observed with prayers, feasts, and family gatherings.
In Mauritius, Muslims gather at mosques for special prayers, followed by community meals and family celebrations. The day also involves the giving of Zakat (charitable donations) to the less fortunate, symbolizing the spirit of generosity. The celebration is a blend of religious observance and cultural traditions, with street markets, music, and festive meals enjoyed by people of all ages.
Duration
Eid al-Fitr is typically a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Muslims.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Assumption Day (August 15)
Description
Assumption Day is a Christian holiday celebrated on August 15th, honoring the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. The day is observed by the Catholic community in Mauritius, with church services and processions taking place across the island. It is a time for prayer, reflection, and celebration.
On Assumption Day, Catholic families gather for Mass, and the holiday is marked by religious ceremonies, processions, and festivals. Many people also take part in community activities and gatherings, making the day both a spiritual and a social occasion. While the holiday is celebrated by the Christian population, it is recognized as a public holiday in Mauritius, with most businesses and government offices closed for the day.
Duration
Assumption Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Catholics.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
National Day (March 12)
Description
National Day in Mauritius, celebrated on March 12th, marks the anniversary of the country’s independence in 1968. It is a public holiday that celebrates the nation’s sovereignty and political freedom. National Day serves as an opportunity for people to come together, reflect on the country’s progress, and celebrate the unity and diversity of the nation.
The day is marked with official ceremonies, speeches from the president and prime minister, military parades, and cultural performances. It is also a time for the Mauritian people to reflect on their shared history and commitment to building a more prosperous and inclusive society.
Duration
National Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Mauritius.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Description
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important religious holidays in Mauritius. Christmas is celebrated by the Christian community, and it is a time for religious observance, family gatherings, and festive meals.
In Mauritius, Christmas Day is marked by church services, family meals, and the exchange of gifts. Many people take time off work to spend with loved ones, and the holiday also features festive decorations, music, and public celebrations. Christmas in Mauritius blends Christian traditions with local cultural practices, making it a joyous and colorful occasion for families and communities.
Duration
Christmas Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Christians, but also observed by others.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Table: Overview of Public Holidays in Mauritius
| Public Holiday | Date | Duration | Groups Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Tamil Thai Pongal | January 14 | 1 day | Tamil Community |
| Independence Day | March 12 | 1 day | General Public |
| Labour Day | May 1 | 1 day | General Public, Workers |
| Eid al-Fitr | Variable (April/May) | 1 day | Muslims |
| Assumption Day | August 15 | 1 day | Catholics |
| National Day | March 12 | 1 day | General Public |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
