Mauritius, an island nation renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultural tapestry, celebrates a variety of public holidays that reflect its rich heritage and diverse traditions. These holidays offer not just a respite from the daily grind but also a chance to honor significant historical events and cultural practices that have shaped the nation’s identity. In 2025, Mauritius’s public holidays span religious observances, historical commemorations, and cultural festivals, each bringing its unique flavor and significance.
Whether it’s the spiritual solemnity of Maha Shivaratree, the patriotic fervor of National Day, or the joyous festivities of Diwali, each holiday provides a glimpse into the island’s multifaceted cultural landscape. This overview explores the importance and traditions associated with the public holidays in Mauritius in 2025, highlighting how these days foster a sense of community, reflection, and celebration among its people.
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Public Holidays in Mauritius In 2025
Mauritius, an island nation known for its cultural diversity, celebrates a variety of public holidays that reflect its rich heritage and traditions. These holidays are not only days of rest but also opportunities to commemorate significant historical events and cultural practices. Here’s an overview of the major public holidays in Mauritius in 2025:
New Year’s Day (Jan 01, 2025)
New Year’s Day is a global celebration marking the start of the calendar year. In Mauritius, it is a time for family gatherings, parties, and fireworks. People often clean their homes to symbolize a fresh start and prepare traditional foods. The holiday embodies themes of renewal and hope, offering a chance to set new goals and resolutions.
New Year Holiday (Jan 02, 2025)
Following New Year’s Day, the New Year Holiday on January 2nd allows for an extended period of rest and celebration. It emphasizes family time and relaxation, with many people visiting relatives and spending time outdoors. This additional holiday underscores the importance of togetherness and provides a peaceful day to reflect on the upcoming year.
Chinese New Year (Jan 29, 2025)
Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, is a significant celebration for the Chinese community in Mauritius. Marking the lunar new year, the festival involves cleaning homes, family reunions, and traditional foods like dumplings and fish. Festivities include fireworks, red decorations, and lion dances, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. It is a vibrant celebration embraced by the entire island.
Abolition of Slavery (Feb 01, 2025)
The Abolition of Slavery Day commemorates the end of slavery in Mauritius in 1835. It honors the resilience of enslaved people and their contributions to Mauritian society. Events include educational programs and cultural performances, focusing on the history and heritage of African descendants. The day also prompts reflection on social justice and equality.
Thaipoosam Cavadee (Feb 11, 2025)
Thaipoosam Cavadee is a Hindu festival celebrated by the Tamil community. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the festival involves devotees carrying decorated wooden structures, or “cavadees,” to temples as an act of penance and devotion. The processions, often accompanied by body piercings, symbolize spiritual cleansing. The festival is a colorful display of faith and cultural unity.
Maha Shivaratree (Feb 25, 2025)
Maha Shivaratree, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals in Mauritius. Devotees observe fasts and undertake a pilgrimage to Grand Bassin, a sacred lake. The festival involves night-long prayers and rituals, celebrating Shiva’s cosmic dance. It is a deeply spiritual event that unites the Hindu community in devotion and reflection.
National Day (Mar 12, 2025)
Mauritius celebrates its National Day on March 12th, marking the anniversary of independence from British rule in 1968. The day features official ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances. It is a time of patriotic pride, reflecting on the nation’s progress and achievements. Educational programs highlight the importance of democracy and unity.
Ugadi (Mar 30, 2025)
Ugadi marks the New Year for the Telugu and Kannada communities. The festival involves cleaning homes, wearing new clothes, and preparing a special dish called “Ugadi Pachadi,” which represents the various flavors of life. Celebrations include prayers, cultural performances, and family gatherings. Ugadi symbolizes renewal and is a time for new beginnings and community bonding.
Eid al-Fitr (Mar 31, 2025)
Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is a significant Islamic festival. It begins with a communal prayer and the giving of charity, known as “Zakat al-Fitr.” Families come together to share festive meals and exchange gifts. In Mauritius, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with enthusiasm, reflecting the island’s inclusive spirit and the importance of generosity and community.
Labour Day (May 01, 2025)
Labour Day honors the contributions and rights of workers. It is marked by parades, speeches, and cultural events organized by trade unions and worker associations. The day celebrates the achievements of the labor movement and underscores the importance of fair working conditions. It is a time for reflection on social justice and workers’ rights.
Assumption Day (Aug 15, 2025)
Assumption Day commemorates the Virgin Mary’s assumption into heaven. This Christian holiday involves special masses and processions, reflecting the deep faith of the Catholic community. It is also a public holiday, allowing families to come together and celebrate. Assumption Day highlights the island’s religious diversity and the importance of spiritual reflection.
Ganesh Chaturthi (Aug 26, 2025)
Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Celebrations include installing clay idols of Ganesha, performing prayers, and preparing sweets like “modaks.” Community events feature cultural performances and the immersion of idols in water bodies. The festival fosters a sense of unity and cultural pride, making it a lively and joyous occasion.
Diwali (Oct 20, 2025)
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Preparations involve decorating homes with lamps and rangoli designs, and performing Lakshmi Puja to seek blessings for prosperity. The festival includes fireworks, sharing sweets, and exchanging gifts. Diwali is celebrated by all communities in Mauritius, reflecting its multicultural ethos and the values of kindness and generosity.
Arrival of Indentured Labourers (Nov 02, 2025)
This day marks the arrival of the first indentured laborers from India in 1834. It is a tribute to their contributions to the island’s development. Commemorations include events at the Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and cultural programs that highlight the heritage of the laborers. The day fosters unity and respect for the island’s multicultural identity.
Christmas Day (Dec 25, 2025)
Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Preparations include decorating homes, attending midnight mass, and exchanging gifts. The day is marked by festive meals and family gatherings. In Mauritius, Christmas is celebrated by Christians and people of other faiths, reflecting the island’s inclusive nature. It is a time of joy, generosity, and togetherness.
In summary, Mauritius’s public holidays in 2025 reflect the island’s rich cultural diversity and historical significance. Each holiday is celebrated with unique traditions and communal activities, highlighting the values of unity, reflection, and joy. These holidays not only provide a break from daily routines but also offer opportunities to appreciate the island’s heritage and the contributions of its diverse communities.
The following is the list of public holidays in mauritius 2025.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| New Year Holiday | Jan 02, 2025 | Thursday |
| Chinese New Year | Jan 29, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Abolition of Slavery | Feb 01, 2025 | Saturday |
| Thaipoosam Cavadee | Feb 11, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Maha Shivaratree | Feb 25, 2025 | Tuesday |
| National Dayz | Mar 12, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Ugadi | Mar 30, 2025 | Sunday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Mar 31, 2025 | Monday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Assumption Day | Aug 15, 2025 | Friday |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | Aug 26, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Diwali | Oct 20, 2025 | Monday |
| Arrival of indentured Labourers | Nov 02, 2025 | Sunday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |