Independence Day in Mauritania
Mauritania celebrates Independence Day on 28 November, the date fixed for the country’s national feast in law. The holiday marks the 1960 proclamation of independence and is legally a paid, non-working day.[1][2]
A national feast established by law
Mauritania’s Law 92.018 names 28 November as the national feast of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. It also says legal holidays are non-working and paid. The law does not provide an automatic substitute day when the date falls on a weekend.[1]
The same law allows the President, when particular circumstances justify it, to declare other days or parts of days as holidays. Any such decree must say whether the time off is to be made up or paid exceptionally; this provision does not set a routine weekend-observance rule for Independence Day.[1]
The 1960 independence
The Mauritanian presidency records independence as effective on 28 November 1960. It identifies Mokhtar Daddah as a principal architect of independence and says he became prime minister before being elected the country’s first president in 1961.[2]
The date commemorates the founding of the modern independent state after the colonial period. In a national address reported by the Mauritanian News Agency, the president connected the anniversary with recovering freedom and dignity, remembering resistance figures, and strengthening citizenship and national unity.[4]
Ceremonies across the country
Official reports describe public ceremonies as part of the observance. Accounts of celebrations in the interior of Mauritania have recorded flag-raising ceremonies accompanied by the national anthem, as well as parades by armed forces and security units. Local administrative and military officials supervised ceremonies in the regions described.[3]
A separate report on the capital describes a military parade attended by the president and residents of Nouakchott. Observances can include civic and military ceremonies in both the capital and regional towns; each community sets its own programme.[3][4]
What residents and travelers should expect
Because the law classifies legal holidays as non-working and paid, Independence Day is a statutory day off. The law does not list the opening hours of banks, shops or transport services, so travelers should check directly with providers and local businesses for holiday arrangements.[1]
The law also does not spell out school calendars, street closures or transport schedules for this date. Official reports document parades and ceremonies, but do not establish that routes are closed or that public transport runs on a reduced timetable nationwide.[1][3]
Frequently asked questions
When is Independence Day in Mauritania?
It is celebrated every year on 28 November, the date set for the national feast in Mauritania’s legal holidays law.[1]
Is Independence Day a day off?
Yes. The law says legal holidays are non-working and paid.[1]
Are banks, shops and public transport open?
The law establishes the paid, non-working holiday but does not specify opening hours for banks, shops or transport. Check with the relevant service or business for its arrangements.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Independence Day in Mauritania:
- LOI 92.018 DU 7 DÉCEMBRE 1992 FIXANTLES FÊTES LÉGALES EN MAURITANIE- Ministère de la Fonction Publique et du Travail
- Anciens Présidents- Présidence de la République Islamique de Mauritanie
- Commémoration du 63e anniversaire de la fête l’indépendance nationale au niveau des wilayas de l’intérieur- Agence Mauritanienne d’Information
- Le Président de la République adresse un discours important à la nation à l’occasion du 65e anniversaire de la Fête de l’Indépendance nationale- Agence Mauritanienne d’Information