Madagascar (MG)
World's fourth-largest island, Madagascar offers extraordinary biodiversity (90% of wildlife found nowhere else), one of the world's lowest costs of living, warm French-speaking culture, and unique opportunities in vanilla, ecotourism, and development sectors.
Capital: Antananarivo
Region: Africa
Language: Malagasy
Currency: MGA (Ar)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 15)
Emergency: 117
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Public Holidays 2026
12 holidays in Madagascar. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
Taom-baovao
Public holiday. Banks, government offices, and most businesses closed. Street celebrations in Antananarivo.
March 2026
Sun 29
Insurrection Day (Martyrs of 1947) Public Holiday
Commemoration du 29 mars 1947
Commemorates the 1947 uprising against French colonial rule, brutally suppressed with tens of thousands of Malagasy killed. Solemn national day — ceremonies at the Mahamasina stadium in Tana and regional monuments.
April 2026
Fri 3
Good Friday Public Holiday
Vendredi Saint
Christian public holiday. Most businesses closed. Church services throughout the day.
Sun 5
Easter Sunday Public Holiday
Pâques
Widely observed though not formally a statutory public holiday in all contexts. Family gatherings and church services.
Mon 6
Easter Monday Public Holiday
Lundi de Pâques
Public holiday. Government offices and banks closed. Considered part of the Easter holiday weekend.
May 2026
Fri 1
Labour Day Public Holiday
Fête du Travail
Workers' rights parades in Antananarivo. All public offices, banks, and most private businesses closed.
Thu 14
Ascension Day Public Holiday
Ascension
Christian public holiday (40 days after Easter). Government offices and many businesses closed.
Mon 25
Whit Monday Public Holiday
Lundi de Pentecôte
Christian public holiday (50 days after Easter + 1). Government and banking holiday.
June 2026
Fri 26
Independence Day Public Holiday
Fête de l'Indépendance / Fetin'ny fahaleovantenan'i Madagasikara
Most important national holiday. Celebrates independence from France on 26 June 1960. Military parade at Mahamasina stadium, fireworks, cultural events, and family celebrations nationwide. Extended weekend if it falls near a weekend.
August 2026
Sat 15
Assumption of Mary Public Holiday
Assomption
Catholic public holiday. Major religious processions, especially at the Cathedral of Andohalo in Antananarivo.
November 2026
Sun 1
All Saints' Day Public Holiday
Toussaint
Families visit ancestral graves (famadihana connections). Very important culturally for the ancestor veneration that permeates Malagasy society. Government and banking holiday.
December 2026
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Noely
Family celebrations. Church services throughout the country. A relatively quiet holiday by western standards — more family-focused than commercial.
Note: Some holidays in Madagascar apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.