Public Holidays in Mauritania 2026 – Islamic & National Holidays
Mauritania is an Islamic republic where both national and religious (Islamic) holidays are observed. Many of the major holidays follow the lunar (Hijri) calendar, which means their Gregorian dates can shift depending on moon sighting.
Overview of Public Holidays in Mauritania
The holiday calendar includes:
- Fixed national holidays: New Year’s Day, Labour Day, Africa Day, Independence Day
- Islamic religious holidays: Eid al-Fitr (Korité), Eid al-Adha (Tabaski), Islamic New Year (Muharram), Mawlid (Prophet’s Birthday)
- For major Islamic feasts, Mauritania often declares a “Lendemain” (follow-up day) as an additional observance
During extended Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, some residents and visitors plan short regional trips or leisure stays, including destinations highlighted in Morocco or coastal retreats listed under best hotels in Mauritania.
List of Public Holidays in Mauritania (2026)
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Remarks / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Fixed national holiday |
| March 20* | Friday* | Eid al-Fitr (Korité) | End of Ramadan – estimated |
| March 21* | Saturday* | Lendemain de l’Aïd el-Fitr | Follow-up day (estimated) |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day / May Day | Fixed national holiday |
| May 25 | Monday | Africa Day | Pan-African observance |
| May 27* | Wednesday* | Eid al-Adha (Tabaski) | Major Islamic feast – estimated |
| May 28* | Thursday* | Lendemain de l’Aïd al-Adha | Follow-up day (estimated) |
| June 17* | Wednesday* | Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year) | Hijri New Year – estimated |
| August 26* | Wednesday* | Mawlid / Milad un Nabi | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – estimated |
| November 28 | Saturday | Independence Day | National Day (1960 independence) |
List of Public Holidays in Mauritania (2025)
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Remarks / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | Fixed national holiday |
| March 31 | Monday | Eid al-Fitr (Korité) | End of Ramadan – religious holiday |
| April 1 | Tuesday | Lendemain de l’Aïd el-Fitr | Second / follow-up day |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day / May Day | Fixed national holiday |
| May 25 | Sunday | Africa Day | Pan-African observance |
| June 7 | Saturday | Eid al-Adha (Tabaski) | Major Islamic feast |
| June 8 | Sunday | Lendemain de l’Aïd al-Adha | Follow-up day for Tabaski |
| June 27 | Friday | Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year) | First day of Hijri year |
| September 5 | Friday | Mawlid / Milad un Nabi | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday |
| November 28 | Friday | Independence Day | National Day (1960 independence) |
Notes & Observations
- Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting and may shift by one or more days.
- Mauritania commonly designates a “Lendemain” day following Eid celebrations.
- Some sources list Armed Forces Day (July 10), but it is not consistently recognized as an official nationwide public holiday.
- For another example of a small nation with cultural remembrance holidays built into its calendar, see Public Holidays in the Marshall Islands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Mauritania have in 2026?
Mauritania is expected to observe around 10–13 public holidays in 2026, depending on lunar confirmations and official government announcements.
Are Islamic holiday dates in Mauritania confirmed in advance?
No. Islamic holidays are based on moon sighting, so final dates are confirmed shortly before the occasion.
What does “Lendemain” mean?
“Lendemain” refers to the follow-up day after a major Islamic festival, often granted as an additional public holiday.
Is Independence Day a public holiday in Mauritania?
Yes. Independence Day on November 28 is a fixed national public holiday commemorating independence from France in 1960.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Mauritania reflect a strong blend of Islamic religious observance and national identity. With multiple lunar-based holidays and frequent “lendemain” observances, both residents and travelers should verify final dates closer to each occasion, especially when planning travel or accommodation.
