Mozambique Public Holidays 2025
Mozambique has 10 public holidays and 1 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 3 Feb | Mon | Heroes’ Day | public |
| 7 Apr | Mon | Women’s Day | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Workers' Day | public |
| 4 May | Sun | Mother's Day | observance |
| 25 Jun | Wed | Independence Day | public |
| 7 Sep | Sun | Lusaka Peace Agreement | public |
| 8 Sep | Mon | Public Holiday | public |
| 25 Sep | Thu | Defense Force’s Day | public |
| 4 Oct | Sat | Peace and Reconciliation Day | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Family Day | public |
About Mozambique's Holidays
Mozambique has a mix of national, public, and cultural holidays that reflect history, religion, and work life. Big national days mark independence from colonial rule and the end of armed conflict. These are very important to the country.
Religious holidays from Christianity and Islam are widely observed. Many people celebrate Christmas and Easter, while Muslim communities observe Eid. Public holidays also include New Year and Labor Day, which are common across many countries and bring family time and public events.
Overall the holiday calendar blends national pride, remembrance, faith, and rest. Schools, government offices, and many businesses close for these days. Celebrations often include parades, church services, family meals, and community gatherings.
Holiday Traditions
In Mozambique holidays blend family time, music and faith. People often start with visits to church or mosque, then gather with relatives. Children play while elders share stories about their ancestors and local customs.
Food is very important. Families cook dishes like seafood, piri piri chicken and matapa. Meals are shared around large plates and everyone helps. The capulana cloth is worn to show pride and colour in celebrations.
Public celebrations are lively. There are parades, drumming, dancing and community feasts. Town squares fill with music, fireworks and friendly games. Neighbours invite each other so the whole community feels involved and joyful.
Travel Tips
During the holiday season many government offices, banks and some shops close or run reduced hours. Supermarkets in cities may stay open, but small stores shut. Plan errands before big holidays to avoid problems.
Flights keep running but schedules can be limited. Book planes and long distance buses early. Taxis and ride apps are easier in big cities. Ferries and local transport fill fast and may skip services on holidays.
Beaches and tourist towns get very busy. Airports and roads see more traffic. Expect lines at restaurants and attractions. Allow extra travel time and stay flexible with plans.
Carry some cash because ATMs and banks may be closed. Confirm opening hours, book accommodation early, get a local SIM and keep copies of your documents.