Abolition of Slavery in Réunion
Réunion observes the Abolition of Slavery on December 20, the date Joseph Sarda Garriga proclaimed abolition on the island in 1848. Known locally as Fèt Kaf, the public holiday is a day of remembrance and community events across Réunion.[1][2]
Why Réunion commemorates December 20
The French Labour Code names December 20 in Réunion as a public holiday commemorating the abolition of slavery. The date marks the island proclamation in 1848 by Joseph Sarda Garriga, then commissioner of the Republic. It is distinct from the other abolition-commemoration dates set for several French overseas territories.[1][2]
The day recalls the end of slavery on the island and honors those who endured enslavement and those who struggled for emancipation. Official speeches have also framed the commemoration as a time to remember this history and reflect on liberty and equality.[2]
A day of remembrance and culture
Fèt Kaf is celebrated in communities around the island. Réunion’s tourism office lists events in places including Saint-Pierre, Saint-Denis, Sainte-Suzanne, Saint-Paul, Saint-Leu, Saint-Joseph and Étang-Salé, showing that observances are not limited to one town.[2]
Association-organized events may include street activities, parades, traditional songs and dances, concerts known as kabars, moringue demonstrations, talks, exhibitions, workshops and poetry. These events can connect remembrance of slavery with the history of maloya, which the tourism office notes was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009.[2]
What the public holiday means for work
The holiday is established by the Labour Code for Réunion. A public holiday does not automatically mean every employee has the day off: for holidays other than May 1, an agreement sets which days are not worked or, if there is no agreement, the employer decides. Check the arrangements that apply to your workplace.[1][3]
The official tourism listing describes events organized by associations, but does not set a single islandwide programme or confirm standard opening hours for shops, services or transport. If you are visiting, check the schedule directly with an event organizer or service before making plans.[2]
Frequently asked questions
When is Abolition of Slavery observed in Réunion?
Is December 20 a public holiday in Réunion?
Yes. The Labour Code lists December 20 as Réunion’s abolition-of-slavery commemoration public holiday.[1]
Does everyone have the day off?
Not automatically. For public holidays other than May 1, workplace agreements determine which days are not worked; without an agreement, the employer decides.[3]
What events take place?
Events can include concerts, traditional songs and dances, parades, moringue demonstrations, talks and exhibitions. The programme is organized by associations and varies around the island.[2]
Are shops and transport open?
Check opening hours with the business or transport operator before you go.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Abolition of Slavery in Réunion:
- Article L3422-2 - Code du travail- Légifrance
- Les festivités du 20 décembre- Île de la Réunion Tourisme
- Les jours fériés et les ponts- Ministère du Travail et des Solidarités