Mauritania Public Holidays
Mauritania observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Mauritania observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Mauritania by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Mauritania.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Feb 18 | Wednesday | Ramadan Start |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid ul-Fitr |
| Mar 20 | Friday | March Equinox |
| May 1 | Friday | Labor Day |
| May 25 | Monday | Africa Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha |
| Jun 17 | Wednesday | Muharram |
| Jun 21 | Sunday | June Solstice |
| Aug 26 | Wednesday | Milad un Nabi |
| Sep 23 | Wednesday | September Equinox |
| Nov 28 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| Dec 21 | Monday | December Solstice |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Mauritania
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Mauritania for 2026. Public holidays are days when many businesses and government offices are closed, and they often involve cultural or religious observances. You can find definitions of public holidays on our main public holidays page. For a comprehensive list of all observed holidays in Mauritania for a specific year, please visit the Mauritania holidays in 2026 page.
Mauritania observes a mix of national, religious, and international holidays. Some holidays, particularly those tied to the Islamic lunar calendar, may shift dates annually. This hub is designed to help you navigate these observances and plan accordingly.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, Mauritania observes several significant public holidays. These include national celebrations, religious festivals, and internationally recognized days.
Beyond these, Mauritania also marks other important dates such as Ramadan Start, Eid al-Adha, Muharram, Milad un Nabi, and the solstices and equinoxes. For a complete listing and more details, please refer to the Mauritania holidays in 2026 page.
- New Year's Day — 1 January 2026. A global celebration marking the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Eid ul-Fitr — 20 March 2026. A major Islamic festival celebrating the end of Ramadan.
- Labor Day — 1 May 2026. An annual celebration of workers and the labor movement.
- Africa Day — 25 May 2026. Commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity.
- Independence Day — 28 November 2026. Celebrates Mauritania's independence from France.
Planning around holidays
When planning travel or business in Mauritania, it's helpful to be aware of the patterns of public holidays. Many holidays are tied to the Islamic lunar calendar, meaning their dates shift each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. This can affect when major religious observances fall. National holidays, such as Independence Day, are fixed on specific dates. Understanding these patterns can help you anticipate periods of closures or increased activity.
- Religious Festivals: Dates for holidays like Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Muharram vary annually due to their reliance on the lunar calendar.
- National Observances: Fixed-date holidays, such as Independence Day, occur on the same date each year.
- International Days: Some globally recognized days, like New Year's Day and Labor Day, are also observed.
- Seasonal Events: Astronomical events like solstices and equinoxes occur on predictable dates but are not typically observed as public holidays.
- Yearly Variations: Always check the specific dates for the year you are interested in, especially for Islamic holidays, as they can significantly impact business and travel schedules.
Plan Your Year Around MR Holidays
View Mauritania holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.