Armistice Day in Réunion

What the day commemorates

The 11 November armistice, signed in 1918 at Rethondes, ended fighting on the Western Front. France established 11 November as a day to commemorate victory and peace in 1922; since 2012, the national tribute also honours all civilians and military personnel officially recognized as having died for France, across conflicts.[4]

The day’s meaning in Réunion includes remembrance of islanders who served in the First World War. In a 2022 account of a local commemoration, the Department of Réunion described the island’s contribution and the duty to pass that memory on to younger generations.[5]

Commemorations on the island

Public ceremonies are held around France at war memorials. In Saint-Denis, a Réunion Department account of the 2022 Armistice commemoration describes a wreath-laying at the war memorial on Avenue de la Victoire, followed by a ceremony at the State Garden. Young people and students took part in that event; it was also part of a special tour by the Flame of the Unknown Soldier, rather than a routine feature of every 11 November.[4][5]

Réunion also marks a separate local history on the same date. The Department says the Lazaret de la Grande Chaloupe has hosted an annual tribute to indentured workers since 2003. These workers came mainly from India, China, Africa and Madagascar to work in sugar-cane plantations after the abolition of slavery. The event is distinct from the Armistice commemoration, and its presence gives 11 November an additional local meaning.[3]

Holiday status and practical planning

The Labour Code lists 11 November among France’s legal public holidays. Réunion has an additional locally specific public holiday: 20 December, the commemoration of the abolition of slavery. That separate date is set out in Article L3422-2.[1][2]

A public holiday does not automatically mean every private-sector employee has the day off. For days other than 1 May, whether employees do not work depends on the applicable collective agreement or workplace agreement, or the employer’s decision where there is no such agreement. If a holiday falls on a day an employee would normally not work, there is no automatic extra day off under the general rule.[6]

Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go. Check opening hours with banks, shops and transport operators before making appointments or travel plans.[1][6]