Public Holidays in Mauritius 2026 – Hindu, Christian & National Holidays
Mauritius recognizes a range of public holidays—some fixed by law and others tied to religious calendars (Hindu, Muslim, and Chinese). Because several observances follow lunar or cultural calendars, their exact dates may vary from year to year.
Overview of Mauritius Public Holidays
Mauritius observes national holidays such as National Day, Labour Day, and Christmas, alongside religious festivals including the Chinese Spring Festival, Eid al-Fitr, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Diwali. Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting, while Hindu and Chinese festivals follow their respective traditional calendars.
Many residents and international visitors plan leisure trips around long holiday periods, often exploring island attractions or booking stays listed under best hotels in Mauritius. Regional travelers may also combine holidays with visits to nearby destinations such as South Africa.
List of Public Holidays in Mauritius (2026)
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Fixed public holiday |
| January 2 | Friday | New Year Holiday (Day 2) | Continued New Year observance |
| February 17* | Tuesday* | Chinese Spring Festival | Estimated – Chinese lunar calendar |
| February 1 | Sunday | Abolition of Slavery | National commemorative holiday |
| February 1* | Sunday* | Thaipoosam Cavadee | Estimated Hindu observance |
| February 15* | Sunday* | Maha Shivaratree | Estimated Hindu festival |
| March 12 | Thursday | National Day | Independence & Republic Day |
| March 20* | Friday* | Eid al-Fitr | Islamic festival – estimated |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day | Fixed national holiday |
| August 17* | Monday* | Ganesh Chaturthi | Estimated Hindu festival |
| October 8* | Thursday* | Divali (Diwali) | Festival of Lights – estimated |
| November 1 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day | Christian observance |
| November 2 | Monday | Arrival of Indentured Labourers | Historical commemoration (1834) |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Christian holiday |
List of Public Holidays in Mauritius (2025)
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | Fixed public holiday |
| January 2 | Thursday | New Year Holiday (Day 2) | Continued New Year observance |
| January 29 | Wednesday | Chinese Spring Festival | Observed as statutory holiday |
| February 1 | Saturday | Abolition of Slavery | National commemorative holiday |
| February 11 | Tuesday | Thaipoosam Cavadee | Hindu religious observance |
| February 26 | Wednesday | Maha Shivaratree | Hindu festival |
| March 12 | Wednesday | National Day | Independence & Republic Day |
| March 30 | Sunday | Ougadi / Ugaadi | Telugu / Kannada New Year |
| March 31 | Monday | Eid al-Fitr | Islamic festival (subject to moon sighting) |
| April 30 | Wednesday | Bank Holiday (Torrential Rain) | Applies mainly to banks |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day | Fixed national holiday |
| August 28 | Thursday | Ganesh Chaturthi | Hindu festival |
| October 20 | Monday | Divali (Diwali) | Hindu Festival of Lights |
| November 1 | Saturday | All Saints’ Day | Christian observance |
| November 2 | Sunday | Arrival of Indentured Labourers | Historical commemoration |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | Christian holiday |
Notes & Observations
- Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr depend on moon sighting and may shift slightly.
- Hindu and Chinese festivals follow traditional calendars and are confirmed annually.
- Some bank holidays apply specifically to financial institutions.
- For another multicultural country with both religious and national observances, see Public Holidays in Mauritania.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Mauritius have in 2026?
Mauritius is expected to observe around 14–15 public holidays in 2026, depending on the final confirmation of religious festivals.
Are religious holiday dates fixed or variable?
Islamic holidays follow moon sighting, while Hindu and Chinese festivals depend on their traditional calendars, so dates vary each year.
What is the “Arrival of Indentured Labourers” holiday?
Observed on November 2, this holiday commemorates the arrival of Indian indentured workers to Mauritius in 1834.
Does Mauritius shift holidays when they fall on weekends?
No automatic substitution is applied unless a specific government notice declares an alternate day.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Mauritius reflect the island’s multicultural and multi-faith heritage, blending Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Chinese traditions with national commemorations. These holidays play an important role in cultural life and travel planning across the country.
