Mayotte Public Holidays 2025
Mayotte 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 |
27 Apr | Sun | Abolition of Slavery | 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 |
25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
About Mayotte's Holidays
Mayotte follows French national holidays like New Year, Labour Day, Bastille Day and Christmas. These are public holidays with official closures. People often mix French customs with local island life, so towns may hold ceremonies and small events on those dates.
Because most people in Mayotte are Muslim, Islamic holidays are very important. Ramadan, Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha shape daily life and business hours. These dates move each year because they follow the lunar calendar, so celebrations shift across seasons.
There are also local cultural events and festivals that celebrate Maore identity, music and traditional crafts. These gatherings bring families together, feature local food and dancing, and are as important to island life as the formal public holidays.
Holiday Traditions
In Mayotte people mix Comorian, Malagasy and French ways to celebrate. Many holidays begin with visits to the mosque or church, then families meet. People wear colorful traditional clothes and greet neighbors with hugs and smiles.
Food is central. Big platters of rice, grilled fish, stewed goat and cassava leaf dishes are shared. Coconut sweets and fried bananas are common treats. Meals are eaten slowly while talking and laughing, and children get special snacks.
Public life is lively. Markets fill with flowers and food. Music, drums and traditional dances bring people together. Town centers host small parades, communal meals and sometimes fireworks to mark the festive mood.
Travel Tips
Visiting Mayotte (YT) during the holiday season means some shops, banks and government offices close for celebrations. Tourist services and restaurants in main towns often stay open, but smaller villages may be quiet. Carry cash because some ATMs and banks close.
Transport gets busy and schedules change. Flights and ferries fill up fast, so book early. Public buses run less often and taxis can be hard to find at peak times. If you plan interisland trips, check timetables and reserve seats ahead.
Plan for crowds at popular beaches and markets. Pack sun care and modest clothing for local customs. Keep copies of travel documents, confirm bookings, and allow extra time for delays and closures.