Public Holidays in Mauritania 2025
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
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 2025?
Mauritania observes roughly 10–13 public holidays in 2025, depending on lunar adjustments and government declarations.
Do Islamic holidays change dates every year?
Yes. Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, the Islamic New Year, and Mawlid follow the lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates vary each year.
What does “Lendemain” mean?
“Lendemain” refers to the follow-up day after a major Islamic festival, often granted as an additional public holiday.
Is Armed Forces Day officially observed?
It appears in some travel and reference lists, but it is not consistently included in the official national holiday calendar.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Mauritania reflect a blend of Islamic religious observance and national commemoration. Because many of the holidays follow the Hijri calendar and may also include “lendemain” observances, travelers and residents should verify final dates closer to each occasion.
