Martinique Public Holidays 2025
Martinique has 14 public holidays and 2 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 8 May | Thu | Victory Day | public |
| 22 May | Thu | Abolition of Slavery | public |
| 25 May | Sun | Mother's Day | observance |
| 29 May | Thu | Ascension Day | public |
| 8 Jun | Sun | Pentecost | observance |
| 9 Jun | Mon | Whit Monday | public |
| 14 Jul | Mon | Bastille Day | public |
| 21 Jul | Mon | Victor Shoelcher Day | public |
| 15 Aug | Fri | Assumption | public |
| 1 Nov | Sat | All Saints' Day | public |
| 11 Nov | Tue | Armistice Day | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
About Martinique's Holidays
Martinique follows French national public holidays like New Year, Labour Day, Bastille Day and Christmas. These are official days off and mark national events, so shops, schools and many offices close across the island.
Local culture adds its own important dates. The anniversary of the 1848 abolition of slavery on May 22 is a solemn, widely observed day with ceremonies and education. Carnival is the biggest festive season, with parades, music and costumes before Lent, bringing communities together in bright, noisy celebration.
Religious feasts and seasonal festivals also matter. Holy Week events, All Saints and popular music and food festivals show Martinique s blend of French, African and Caribbean traditions that shape daily life and identity.
Holiday Traditions
In Martinique people celebrate with bright music, dance, and colorful costumes. Traditions mix African, French, and Caribbean roots, so events feel lively and full of local pride. Many things are shared with neighbors.
Families gather at home to cook and eat together. Meals often include spicy stews, fried snacks, fresh fish, tropical fruit, and sometimes rum or sweet cakes. Sharing food is a way to show love and keep traditions alive.
Public celebrations fill streets with drums, brass bands, and dancing. Parades, open air concerts, and mask shows bring the whole town out. People wear Creole outfits and enjoy being together.
Religious customs and community rituals add meaning to festivities. Visiting family graves, lighting candles, and offering flowers are common. Hospitality and warmth make holidays in Martinique very welcoming.
Travel Tips
Martinique sees many businesses close or shorten hours around public and bank holidays. Banks, some shops, government offices and smaller restaurants often shut. Larger stores and tourist areas stay open but may have limited services.
Public transport and ferries run on holiday schedules. Buses are less frequent and timetables change. The airport stays open but expect busy check in and security lines during peak travel days. Taxi availability can be lower and surge pricing may apply.
Beaches, markets and main towns get crowded on holidays and weekends. Book hotels, car rentals and tours early. Carry cash as some places close card machines or banks. Check local calendars for exact closure dates.