The National Day of Mauritania is on the 28 November (Independence Day, from France 1960). See also Bastille Day on here. This marks the Mauritania’s independence from France in 1960. See the history of their independence day below.
National Day of Mauritania
Likewise the process leading up to independence was marked by both political negotiations and grassroots movements.You will note that like much of the African West Coast, French colonial presence dates back to the late 19th century. Strangely enough Mauritania was only officially made a French colony in 1920 and was administered as part of French West Africa.
Firstly as you will well know that French West Africa was a federation of a total of eight French colonial territories in West Africa from 1895 to 1960. The territories included Senegal (Senegal National Day), French Guinea (French Guinea National Day), Ivory Coast (Ivory Coast National Day), Dahomey (now Benin National Day), Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso National Day), Niger (National Day of Niger), Mauritania, and Mali (National Day of Mali). Finally the federation was created by the French colonial administration
Anti Colonial Movements in Mauritania
Firstly with the start of anti-colonial movements in the 1950’s. Secondly then there was the first political party in Mauritania being the Parti du Peuple Mauritanien (PPM). This was founded in 1951. Likewise by 1957, the French government announced plans to hold a referendum on the future of French colonies in West Africa. Mauritania was included in this plan, and a campaign for a “no” vote was organized by the PPM and other pro-independence groups. Finally the referendum was held in September 1958, and the majority of Mauritania’s voters opted to remain within the French Union.
The pro-independence movements continued. With more protests and demonstrations. The French government, facing increasing pressure, began to negotiate with Mauritanian leaders in 1959. In July of that year, the two sides agreed to a timetable for independence. On November 28, 1960, Mauritania officially became an independent country. Moktar Ould Daddah, a leader of the PPM, became the country’s first president.
Likewise see also the National Day of Mauritius as well as the National Day of Niger and the National Day of Mali.
Public Holidays in Mauritania
Firstly here are the public holidays in Mauritania:
- New Year’s Day – January 1st
- Labor Day – May 1st
- Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) – variable date
- Independence Day – November 28th
- Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) – variable date
- Islamic New Year – variable date
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – variable date
Finally note that Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year. See also the Angola national holidays.
