In summary:
| Date | Public holiday | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 🎉 January 1st | New Year’s Day | Celebration of the New Year; day of joy and national holiday. |
| 💃 March 8 | International Women’s Day | Recognition of struggles and women’s rights; unemployed only for women. |
| 🕊️ March 29 | Martyrs Day | Commemoration of the victims of the 1947 insurrection; reflection on the freedom and justice. |
| ✝️ March 31 | Easter | Celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, a central celebration in Christianity. |
| 🌼 April 1st | Easter Monday | Extension of Easter celebrations; long weekend for the community. |
| 🛠️ May 1st | Labor Day | National tribute to the contributions of workers; celebration of labor rights. |
| ☁️ May 9 | Ascent | Christian holiday commemorating theascension of Jesus in heaven. |
| 🕊️ May 19 | Pentecost | Celebration of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles; day spiritual and community. |
| 🌅 May 20 | Pentecost Monday | Extension of the Pentecostal rest; promotes a long weekend relaxation. |
| 🇲🇬 June 26 | National Day | Celebration ofindependence from Madagascar obtained in 1960; day of national pride. |
| 🙏 August 15 | Assumption | Catholic religious festival ofAssumption of Mary; reflection on his life. |
| 🌹 November 1st | All Saints’ Day | Commemoration of all saints in Christianity; visit to cemeteries to honor the dead. |
| 🎄 December 25 | Christmas | Festivities of the birth of Jesus; meetings familymidnight masses, and gift exchange. |
Variable Muslim Holidays
- 🌙 Eid al-Fitr: April 10, 2024 – Marks the end of Ramadan; day of festivities and prayers in the Muslim community.
- 🐑 Eid el-Adha: June 16, 2024 – Also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice; celebration ofAbraham and his faith tested by God.
Madagascar, with its diverse landscapes and its rich culture, offers its residents and visitors a variety of holidays that celebrate both national historical events and religious holidays. Here is a complete guide to public holidays for the year 2024, which will allow everyone to plan their activities and holidays in advance.
1. New Year’s Day: January 1st
THE New Year’s Day is universally celebrated and in Madagascar, it is the occasion to celebrate with family and friends. It is a moment of national rejoicing when the whole country marks the transition to the new year with hope and enthusiasm.
2. International Women’s Day: March 8
This day is celebrated worldwide but in Madagascar, March 8 is specifically a paid holiday. only for women. It is a date which highlights the importance of struggle for women’s rights and equality.
3. Martyrs’ Day (Commemoration of 1947): March 29
This holiday is dedicated to memory victims of the tragic events of the 1947 insurrection against colonialism. It is a time of reflection on the fight for freedom and justice.
4. Easter: March 31 and Easter Monday: April 1
Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is a key moment for the Christian community of Madagascar. Easter Monday is also a public holiday, offering a long weekend religious celebrations and relaxation.
5. Labor Day: May 1st
Labor Day is a public holiday in many countries and in Madagascar, it recognizes the contribution of workers to the nation. It’s a day of rest and celebration labor rights.
6. Ascension: May 9
Ascension, which occurs 40 days after Easter, is another important Christian holiday that is observed as a public holiday in Madagascar. It commemorates the ascension of Jesus to sky.
7. Pentecost: May 19 and Pentecost Monday: May 20
Pentecost, celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter, and Pentecost Monday are public holidays which allow Malagasy people to take advantage of a long weekend to relax. to rest and participate in activities community.
8. National Day: June 26
June 26 marks the independence of Madagascar from France in 1960. It is a day of great pride national with parades, speeches and festivities that bring together the entire population.
9. Assumption: August 15
The Assumption of Mary is a religious festival celebrated by Catholics, and in Madagascar, this day is respected by a national holiday which allows reflection on the life of the Virgin Mary.
10. All Saints’ Day: November 1st
All Saints’ Day is a public holiday dedicated to the memory of saints. It is an opportunity for many Malagasy people to visit the cemeteries and to decorate the tombs of deceasedreflecting on the lives of beings dear.
11. Christmas: December 25
Christmas is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Madagascar. Families gather for a festive meal, exchange gifts, and churches hold midnight masses. It is a time of joy and community where the spiritual and the festive come together meet.
In addition to these fixed holidays, the days of Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha are also observed according to the Islamic calendar and are non-working and paid. These festivals are important moments for the Muslim community of Madagascar, strengthening the social connection and mutual understanding.
Madagascar in 2024 offers a diverse range of public holidays that reflect its cultural and religious diversity. Each is an opportunity to celebrateto rest, and to reflect, thus contributing to the social and cultural richness of the island.