| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Mar 08,2023 | International Women's Day | National holiday |
| Thursday | Mar 23,2023 | Ramadan Start | Observance |
| Wednesday | Mar 29,2023 | Martyrs' Day | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | Apr 09,2023 | Easter Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Apr 10,2023 | Easter Monday | Public Holiday |
| Friday | Apr 21,2023 | Eid al-Fitr | Public Holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labor Day | Public Holiday |
| Thursday | May 18,2023 | Ascension Day | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | May 28,2023 | Whit Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Monday | May 29,2023 | Whit Monday | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Jun 26,2023 | Independence Day | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Jun 28,2023 | Eid al-Adha | Public Holiday |
| Tuesday | Aug 15,2023 | Assumption of Mary | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Nov 01,2023 | All Saints' Day | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 31,2023 | New Year's Eve | Observance |
New Year's Day, known as "Tombôlabe" in Madagascar, is celebrated with great enthusiasm on January 1st. It marks the beginning of a new year, and people across the country engage in festive activities, parties, and feasts. Families and friends come together to welcome the year ahead with hope and joy. Traditional music, dance, and fireworks light up the night, creating a vibrant atmosphere. It's a time for reflection, resolutions, and cultural unity.
International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th in Madagascar, known as "Fetim-pirenena ny Vehivavy." This holiday celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality. Malagasy communities organize various events, including parades, seminars, and discussions, to empower women and address gender-related issues. It's a day to honor women's contributions to society and to advocate for women's rights, making it a culturally significant occasion in Madagascar.
Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and spiritual reflection for Muslims, begins based on the lunar calendar. It's a sacred time when Muslims in Madagascar, like around the world, observe fasting from dawn to sunset. This period, known as "Ramadan" in Malagasy, is marked by increased prayer, charity, and community gatherings. The breaking of the fast, or "Iftar," is a significant cultural event where families and friends come together to share meals. Ramadan fosters spiritual growth and strengthens the sense of community among Muslims, making it an important cultural and religious observance.
Martyrs' Day, celebrated on March 29th, commemorates the heroes who sacrificed their lives for Madagascar's independence. It is known as "Androany an-tokonana" in Malagasy. On this day, ceremonies, parades, and flag-raising events are held across the country to pay tribute to these brave individuals. Martyrs' Day reminds Malagasy people of their history and the struggle for freedom, instilling a sense of national pride and unity. It's a vital cultural occasion that honors the nation's heroes and their enduring legacy.
Easter Sunday, known as "Pasky" in Malagasy, is a Christian holiday celebrated with religious significance and festive traditions. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is observed with church services, processions, and the sharing of Easter meals. Families often exchange Easter eggs and indulge in special dishes like "akoho sy voanio" (chicken with coconut). Easter Sunday brings together Malagasy Christians to celebrate their faith and enjoy cultural dishes, making it a cherished and culturally relevant holiday in Madagascar.
Easter Monday, or "Alatsinainy Paska," is a continuation of Easter celebrations in Madagascar. It's a public holiday that allows people to extend their time with family and friends. Many people use this day to relax, go on picnics, or engage in recreational activities. It's a cultural tradition to spend quality time with loved ones, making Easter Monday a significant part of the Easter festivities in Madagascar.
Eid al-Fitr, known as "Alahamadibe" in Malagasy, is a major Islamic holiday celebrated at the end of Ramadan. It is a time of joy, feasting, and giving thanks to Allah for the strength to complete the fast. Families come together for special prayers at the mosque, followed by communal meals. Giving to the less fortunate is a central aspect, and children receive gifts and money. Eid al-Fitr is a significant cultural event for the Muslim community in Madagascar, fostering a sense of unity and generosity among its members.
Labor Day, known as "Andro mpiasa" in Malagasy, is celebrated on May 1st and honors the contributions of workers to society. It's a day when labor unions, workers, and activists organize parades, rallies, and discussions about workers' rights and labor-related issues. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fair labor practices and social justice. Labor Day highlights the role of workers in the country's development and is a culturally relevant occasion that underscores the value of labor and workers' well-being in Madagascar.
Ascension Day, known as "Andro Mahanoro" in Malagasy, commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is a Christian holiday observed with church services, processions, and religious gatherings. It's a time for Malagasy Christians to reflect on their faith and spirituality. Ascension Day reinforces the cultural and religious ties that bind the Christian community in Madagascar and deepens their sense of devotion and unity.
Whit Sunday, or "Alahady fenoarivo," is a Christian holiday celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday. It marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. On this day, Malagasy Christians attend church services, participate in processions, and engage in spiritual activities. Whit Sunday is a time to strengthen one's faith and connect with the Christian community, making it a culturally important religious observance in Madagascar.
Whit Monday, known as "Alatsinainy fenoarivo," follows Whit Sunday and is a continuation of the Christian celebrations. It is a public holiday that provides an opportunity for Malagasy Christians to spend time with family and friends, attend church-related events, or engage in leisure activities. Whit Monday is a culturally significant part of the Pentecost festivities in Madagascar and encourages people to deepen their faith and enjoy quality time with loved ones.
Independence Day, celebrated on June 26th, is known as "Andron'ny Fahaleovantena." It commemorates Madagascar's independence from French colonial rule in 1960. The day is marked by patriotic ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances that showcase the country's heritage. It's a time for Malagasy people to celebrate their national identity and freedom, emphasizing the cultural importance of independence and the enduring spirit of the nation. Independence Day is a source of pride and unity for the people of Madagascar.
Eid al-Adha, known as "Alahabe" in Malagasy, is a significant Islamic holiday that commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Families come together for special prayers at the mosque and share meals. A central tradition is the sacrifice of an animal, and the meat is distributed to the needy. Eid al-Adha promotes solidarity, compassion, and devotion within the Muslim community in Madagascar, making it a culturally important religious observance.
The Assumption of Mary, known as "Andro Vavolombelona" in Malagasy, is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken into heaven. Malagasy Christians attend church services, processions, and religious events to honor this event. It is a day of spiritual reflection and devotion, strengthening the cultural ties that unite the Christian community in Madagascar. The Assumption of Mary is a culturally significant occasion that reaffirms the importance of Mary in the Christian faith and the role of faith in the Malagasy culture.
All Saints' Day, known as "Alahady sy ny Masin'Andriamanitra" in Malagasy, is a Christian holiday that honors all saints and martyrs. It is a day for Malagasy Christians to remember and celebrate the lives of these holy individuals. Many people visit cemeteries to pay their respects to deceased loved ones. All Saints' Day is a culturally relevant occasion that underscores the significance of faith and the importance of remembering those who have passed away in Madagascar.
Christmas Day, known as "Andro Nahary" in Malagasy, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time of religious observance, marked by church services, nativity scenes, and the exchange of gifts. Families gather to share special meals, often featuring traditional dishes like "koba akondro" (sweet rice cake). Christmas caroling and festive decorations enhance the cultural atmosphere, making Christmas a cherished and culturally significant holiday in Madagascar that brings joy and togetherness to communities.
New Year's Eve, known as "Alahady Voalohany" in Malagasy, is celebrated on December 31st as the year comes to a close. It's a night of festive gatherings, parties, and fireworks to welcome the approaching new year. Families and friends come together to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the future. The celebrations promote unity, hope, and cultural traditions, making New Year's Eve a culturally significant occasion that ushers in the promise of a fresh start in Madagascar.
