Réunion Public Holidays 2025
Réunion has 12 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 |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 8 May | Thu | Victory Day | 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 |
| 15 Aug | Fri | Assumption | public |
| 1 Nov | Sat | All Saints' Day | public |
| 11 Nov | Tue | Armistice Day | public |
| 20 Dec | Sat | Abolition of Slavery | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
About Réunion's Holidays
Réunion follows French national public holidays like New Year, Labor Day, Bastille Day and Armistice Day, plus Victory in Europe. These are legal holidays when schools, banks and most businesses close across the island for official ceremonies and rest.
Cultural life mixes Catholic, Hindu, Muslim and Chinese traditions. Important celebrations include Easter and Christmas, Diwali and Cavadee, Eid festivals and Chinese New Year. These events show the islands Creole identity and bring family meals, prayers and community gatherings.
Carnival is a major local festival before Lent with costumed parades, music and dancing. On big holidays the pace of life slows, markets and concerts happen, and visitors can see colorful rituals and lively street celebrations.
Holiday Traditions
On Réunion, holidays bring music, dance, and colorful clothes. People decorate homes and streets with lights and flowers. Traditional music like maloya and sega plays at parties, and neighbors often join together in the fun.
Food is very important. Families cook dishes that mix African, Indian, Chinese, and French flavors. You will find spicy curries, coconut rice, samosas, and sweet gateaux. Sharing food shows love and keeps traditions alive across generations.
Families gather to visit elders and exchange small gifts. Public celebrations include parades, outdoor concerts, and community feasts. The island blends many cultures, so holidays feel warm, lively, and welcoming to everyone.
Travel Tips
Réunion gets busy during the holiday season. Shops, banks and some government offices close on public holidays and around Christmas and New Year. Tourist sites may have reduced opening hours too.
Airlines and ferries are busier and more expensive. Book flights, car rentals and interisland transport well in advance. Expect traffic jams near Saint Denis and popular beaches on peak days.
Supermarkets and pharmacies have limited hours on holidays. Carry cash and basic supplies for evenings and long drives. Check opening times before planning activities.
Plan quieter visits early in the morning or late afternoon. Reserve accommodations and tours ahead. Keep copies of documents and emergency numbers handy.