National Holidays

Experience Unforgettable Moments in the Indian Ocean Islands

Wherever you are around the world, whether you are there for a few days or a few months, the National Day remains an important day for both the locals (living there full time) and yourself who are visiting. The commemoration of this special day in the year, a very emotional one, can help you better understand the history of the country. That should be enough to convince you to take a tour of the Indian Ocean islands during these periods of festivities; this could well be the opportunity to live unforgettable moments and stock up on memories...

In the Indian Ocean islands, huge parties and shows are organized to celebrate the National Day throughout the country. Whether in Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar or the Maldives, the islanders are proud of their country, their origins and their history. Most of the time, the major parties are organized in the larger cities. But the villages are not left out either. Smaller events - but just as friendly - are organized in the villages and bring together families and friends. Pretty much all of these islands being former colonies, they mainly celebrate the date they got their independence.

The authorities organize for the general public a national high-profile show including dance, music and light effects. But that's not all… In Mauritius for example, the multicolored flag is displayed all over the streets (shops, homes, schools, buses, restaurants...). Local communities gather for more modest celebrations in towns and villages. Many hotels also celebrate this day by offering customers special menus and events on the theme of Mauritius. Wherever you are, you cannot miss out on the festivities. In the Maldives, when you walk in the streets (mainly in Male, the capital), you can see magnificent dance performances or music shows, impromptu concerts which delight the youngsters as well as the elderly.

Military parades, traditional music concerts and DJ nights are also scheduled. In Seychelles, Maldives, Madagascar or Reunion, the military parades (both from the army and the naval forces) are not to be missed; though smaller, they are just as impressive as those of the French metropolis. Beautiful fireworks that will leave you speechless are also scheduled around the country.

Some of those countries have not one but two or even three National Days. In Zanzibar, the Feast of the Union on April 26th (the anniversary of the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar) and the Independence Day on December 9th are two major events in the history of the country that are celebrated every year both in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Planning a trip in Seychelles in June might also be a good idea; it’s a busy period with three days of historical commemoration: June 5th, Liberation Day; June 18th, National Day (adoption of the new Constitution) and; June 29th, Independence Day of the country.

All these national holidays are truly an opportunity to see another side of these islands and its people, through cultural and sporting events. With the atmosphere of friendliness that emerges from these celebrations, we strongly encourage you to live this at least once in your life. 

Brief Summary of National Holidays in the Indian Ocean Islands:

- Madagascar: Independence Day on June 26th

- Maldives: Republic Day on November 11th

- Mauritius / Rodrigues: Independence Day on March 12th

- Reunion: National Day on July 14th

- Seychelles: Liberation Day on June 5th

         National Day on June 18th

         Independence Day on June 29th

- Sri Lanka: Independence Day on February 4th

- Zanzibar: Union Day onApril 26th

       National Day on December 9th