Mauritius
Mauritius public holidays and festivals: dates and closures
Travelers should plan around Mauritius public holidays – most shops, banks and government offices close on these dates; festivals like Cavadee and Diwali are worth timing visits for, but if you need services open, avoid the holiday days.
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GuideMauritius
Key facts
- Public holidays 2026check
- New Year's Day (1 Jan), Independence Day (12 Mar), Labour Day (1 May), Eid al‑Fitr (≈ 10 May), Labour Day (1 May), Assumption (15 Aug), Ganesh Chaturthi (≈ 22 Sep), Diwali (≈ 1 Nov), Christmas (25 Dec)
- Typical closurescheck
- Banks, government offices, schools, most supermarkets and restaurants (except tourist resorts) close on public holidays
Quick answer
If you need banks, post offices or public transport, avoid travelling on Mauritian public holidays. For cultural experiences, schedule visits around festivals such as Cavadee (June) and Diwali (November).
Public holidays in 2026
Mauritius observes both Christian, Hindu, Muslim and secular holidays. Dates for movable holidays (Eid, Diwali) are approximate and should be confirmed close to travel.
| Date | Holiday | Typical impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2026‑01‑01 | New Year’s Day | All services closed |
| 2026‑03‑12 | Independence Day | Banks, schools, most shops closed |
| 2026‑05‑01 | Labour Day | Public sector closed |
| 2026‑05‑10 | Eid al‑Fitr (approx.) | Mosques, some shops close |
| 2026‑08‑15 | Assumption | Catholic institutions closed |
| 2026‑09‑22 | Ganesh Chaturthi (approx.) | Hindu temples, some shops close |
| 2026‑11‑01 | Diwali (approx.) | Major Hindu celebrations, many businesses close |
| 2026‑12‑25 | Christmas Day | All sectors closed |
Exact Islamic dates shift; check local calendar before travel.
Festivals worth planning a trip around
These events attract locals and tourists; accommodation may fill quickly, so book early if you want to experience them.
- Cavadee (June) – Hindu procession on the east coast, colourful boat ceremonies.
- Mahesh Navami (August) – Large celebrations in Grand Bassin.
- Diwali (November) – Island‑wide lights, fireworks, markets.
- Chinese New Year (January/February) – Parades in Port Louis.
What closes on public holidays
Banks, post offices, government offices, schools and most supermarkets close. Restaurants in tourist resorts, hotels and major attractions (e.g., Pamplemousses Botanical Garden) usually remain open.
Public transport runs on a reduced schedule; check bus or ferry timetables for holiday service.
Questions people ask
What are the public holidays in Mauritius?
Mauritius observes New Year, Independence Day (12 Mar), Labour Day (1 May), Eid al‑Fitr, Assumption (15 Aug), Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and Christmas, with dates for Islamic holidays shifting each year.
Which festivals are worth planning a trip around in Mauritius?
Cavadee in June, Mahesh Navami in August, Diwali in November and Chinese New Year in January/February offer lively cultural experiences.
What closes on public holidays in Mauritius?
Banks, government offices, schools, most supermarkets and many local restaurants close; tourist‑focused hotels, resorts and major attractions usually stay open.
Do public transport services run on holidays?
Yes, but on a reduced timetable. Check the Mauritius Transport Authority schedule for specific holiday routes.
Can I book tours on a public holiday?
Tour operators in the tourism sector remain open, but some local guides may be unavailable; confirm availability in advance.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- secondaryVoykit – Mauritius guide
Ask about Mauritius
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