National Day in Mauritius

A date linking two milestones

Mauritius gained independence on 12 March 1968, after a formal resolution seeking independence was passed in the Legislative Assembly following the 1967 general elections. It became an independent state within the Commonwealth, with a democratic parliamentary system.[2]

On 12 March 1992, Mauritius attained the status of a republic. The shared date gives National Day its particular meaning: it recalls the end of British colonial rule and the later change in the country’s constitutional status.[2]

A public holiday fixed by law

The Public Holidays Act lists the “Day of celebration of Independence Day and Republic Day” on 12 March among the holidays to be observed every year. The Act also allows official acts due on a public holiday to be done the following day. The calendar lists no substitute day for National Day.[1]

The law establishes the date as a public holiday. Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go. Opening hours for banks, shops and other services can vary, so check directly with the providers you plan to use.[1]

The flag-raising ceremony

Official National Day programmes have included a flag-raising ceremony at Champ de Mars in Port Louis. The Prime Minister’s Office has also reported a march-past involving uniformed groups as part of the celebration; programmes may differ from year to year.[3]

The national flag has four equal horizontal bands: red, blue, yellow, and green. The Government says they represent the struggle for freedom and independence, the Indian Ocean, the new light of independence, and Mauritius’s agriculture, respectively. The flag’s colours connect the ceremony’s central symbol with the country’s history and setting.[4]

What visitors can expect

Champ de Mars is a reported venue for official celebrations, so visitors planning to attend should check current government announcements for the event’s arrangements. Check opening hours with shops, banks or transport providers before you go.[3]