New Year Holiday in Mauritius

Two dates set by law

Mauritius’s Public Holidays Act, enacted in 1968, lists the days of celebration of New Year as 1 and 2 January. It says that the dates in the Act’s First Schedule are to be observed as public holidays every year, making the two-day New Year observance part of the national statutory calendar.[1]

The Act lists Sundays as public holidays too. It does not say that 1 or 2 January moves to a weekday when either date falls on a weekend. Check the applicable official calendar for any year-specific notice.[1]

Meaning and local context

The law identifies 1 and 2 January as New Year, a recurring pair of dates fixed in statute.[1]

Mauritius’s government describes the country’s culture as shaped by people of Indian, African, European and Chinese ancestry, and notes that this plurality is expressed through literature, dance, music, religion and tradition. Its overview also describes Mauritian cuisine as carrying influences from France, India, China and Africa.[2]

Work, offices and planning

A public holiday does not mean every worker necessarily has the day off. The Workers’ Rights Act provides for paid public holidays for eligible workers and sets remuneration rules for work performed on public holidays. The details depend on the worker’s circumstances and the applicable employment provisions.[3]

The Public Holidays Act says an act required to be done by or before a court or government official on a public holiday may lawfully be done on the following day. It also provides that certain negotiable instruments due on a public holiday are payable on the following day.[1]

For practical plans, confirm opening hours and service timetables directly with the office, bank, shop or transport provider you need.[1]