Maore Day in Comoros

A public holiday across Comoros

A Comorian decree lists November 12 as the “day of the admission of the Comoros to the United Nations” and classifies it as a civil public holiday. It declares the listed holidays non-working and paid throughout the country, with exceptions for workplaces and groups of workers whose activities cannot stop.[1]

The decree does not name banks, shops, schools or transport services individually. Its general rule means many workplaces may close, while essential services can continue; the exact arrangements depend on the service. The decree also says a working day between holidays, or between a holiday and a weekend, may be declared non-working and paid. That is a separate decision, not an automatic substitute day.[1]

Why November 12 matters

The date recalls the United Nations General Assembly’s admission of Comoros on November 12, 1975. In the official account of a National Maore Day commemoration, the Comorian government described the date both as marking the country’s place among nations and as a symbol of its struggle for territorial integrity.[2]

For Comoros, the Maore question concerns Mayotte, which the Comorian government regards as part of its national territory. The official account says a government minister referred to a UN resolution concerning Comorian independence within its inherited borders. The holiday therefore connects the anniversary of UN membership with the country’s stated position on Mayotte.[2]

Official commemorations

A Comorian presidential account records a National Maore Day gathering at the Palais du Peuple, attended by most of the government and both vice presidents. The foreign affairs and justice ministers addressed the gathering on behalf of the government, including on territorial integrity and the issue of Maore.[2]

That report documents an official ceremony and speeches; it does not establish that the same programme takes place every year or across every island. No specific customary meal, household ritual or regional variation is described for the day, so these should not be assumed. It describes a national political commemoration rather than a food-centered festival.[2]

Planning around the holiday

Because the decree makes November 12 non-working and paid nationwide, visitors may encounter closures or altered service arrangements. It does not specify opening hours for individual institutions or businesses, nor does the presidential account describe changes to transport. Check directly with offices, banks, shops and transport providers before making time-sensitive plans.[1][2]