There are 15 public holidays in Mauritius in 2023, seven of which fall on weekends.
New Year's Day
New Year Holiday, celebrated on January 1 and 2, 2023, is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar, and it is one of the most popular holidays in the world.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also called Spring Festival, is the most important time for the family union. Hundreds of thousands of people working outside will return to their hometowns to meet families and friends. It falls on January 22, 2023.
Abolition of Slavery
Abolition of Slavery, observed on February 1, 2023, commemorates the anniversary of slavery being abolished in Mauritius on February 1, 1835. In the late 18th century, Mauritius was under French rule, and it was an important slave-trading center.
Thaipoosam Cavadee
Thaipoosam Cavadee, observed on February 4, 2023, is a time to ask Lord Murugan for forgiveness, good health, and peace. It commemorates when Parvati (the god of fertility) gave Murugan (the god of war, son of Lord Shiva) a Vel spear to vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman and his brothers.
Maha Shivaratree
Maha Shivratri, observed on February 18, 2023, celebrates annually in honor of Lord Shiva. Shiva is the third god in the Hindu triumvirate, which consists of 3 gods: Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer.
National Day
National Day is a public holiday in Mauritius, observed on March 12, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of Mauritius's independence on March 12, 1968.
Ugadi
Ugadi, or Telugu New Year, is a regional public holiday on March 22, 2023. It is the beginning of the New Year according to the Hindu Lunar calendar, which usually falls in March and April of the Gregorian calendar.
Eid al-Fitr
Muslims worldwide celebrate this religious holiday, celebrating the end of a month of fasting. The holiday falls on the first day of Syawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, on April 22, 2023.
Labour Day
Labour Day is observed on May 1, 2023, and it celebrates the achievements of workers. The holiday originates in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi, observed on September 20, 2023, is celebrated for 10 days every year. It marks the birthday of the beloved elephant-headed Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Ganesha symbolizes success, happiness, wisdom, and good fortune.
All Saints Day
All Saints' Day is observed on November 1, 2023, and commemorates all the saints from Christian history, including those known and unknown.
Arrival of indentured Labourers
The arrival of Indentured Labourers, observed on November 2, 2023, commemorates when the first indentured workers arrived at the island.
Diwali
Diwali is the festival of lights in Indian communities worldwide. People light rows of lamps inside and outside their homes for the holiday, representing the triumph of light over dark and the power of good over evil. The holiday falls on November 12, 2023.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, 2023, and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christmas Day is a holiday of sharing. People exchange Christmas gifts and cards with families and friends.
The following is the list of public holidays in Mauritius in 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| New Year Holiday | Jan 02, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Chinese New Year | Jan 22, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Abolition of Slavery | Feb 01, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Thaipoosam Cavadee | Feb 04, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Maha Shivaratree | Feb 18, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| National Day | Mar 12, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Ugadi | Mar 22, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Apr 22, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | Sep 20, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| All Saints Day | Nov 01, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Arrival of indentured Labourers | Nov 02, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Diwali | Nov 12, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Mauritius in 2023.