New Year’s Day in Madagascar
New Year’s Day is observed in Madagascar on January 1 and is included in the country’s annual list of paid public holidays. The date follows the Gregorian calendar; Madagascar’s historical calendar traditions also include a different New Year linked to Alahamady.[1][2][4]
A paid public holiday
Madagascar’s Labour Code says public holidays are days off with pay and directs the government to publish a limited list of holidays each year by decree. A government decree for 2024 named January 1 as Jour de l’An and classified it as a paid, non-working holiday.[1][2]
The decree makes the day off the general rule, while allowing specified kinds of establishments and workers to continue working because their activities cannot stop. The Code also says public employees governed by their own general or special status are outside its scope, so their arrangements are not defined by this Labour Code.[1][2]
January 1 and the Malagasy calendar
January 1 marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year. It is distinct from the traditional calendar: Alahamady is the first month for Hova speakers, with different month names among Hova, Betsileo and Tanala communities.[4]
Work, services and travel
The listed exceptions include hospitals, clinics and pharmacies; transport companies; hotels and restaurants; food sellers and retail shops; and some utilities and telecommunications services. These kinds of establishments and workers are permitted to continue working on public holidays.[2][3]
Travelers should confirm schedules directly with transport operators, accommodation providers and other businesses before making plans.[2][3]
Frequently asked questions
When is New Year’s Day in Madagascar?
Is it a paid day off?
Are shops, pharmacies and transport open?
Is January 1 the traditional Malagasy New Year?
January 1 is New Year’s Day in the Gregorian calendar. Alahamady is the first month in some Malagasy calendar traditions.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Madagascar:
- LOI n° 2024-014 portant Code du travail- Centre National d’Information et de Documentation Législative et Juridique
- Décret N° 2024-108 fixant la liste des jours fériés, chômés et payés au titre de l’année 2024- Centre National d’Information et de Documentation Législative et Juridique
- Arrêté n°-7660/2021-MTEFPLS fixant la liste des types d'Etablissements et des catégories de travailleurs autorisés à déroger au chômage des jours fériés, chômés et payés- Centre National d’Information et de Documentation Législative et Juridique
- The Antananarivo Annual, Christmas, 1876: Hova, Betsileo, and Tanala Names of the Months- SOAS University of London Digital Collections