Nouakchott International Jazz Festival
Season or date: October
The capital's only major music event. Jazz and fusion from across Saharan countries converge.
Festivals in Mauritania
Discover traditional festivals and celebrations of this country
Festivals
Festival des Villes Anciennes (Ancient Cities Festival)
Season or date: November–December
Rotates among UNESCO-listed cities like Chinguetti and Ouadane. National cultural festival featuring Quranic recitation, poetry, and traditional competitions.
Date (Palm) Harvest Festival (Guetna)
Season or date: June
Celebration on the Adrar Plateau for harvest and nomadic reunions. Lively with music and camel races.
Eid al-Fitr
Season or date: 1st of Shawwal (Islamic calendar)
Major religious event celebrating the end of Ramadan fasting. Families gather for feasts and charitable giving.
Eid al-Adha (Tabaski)
Season or date: 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah (Islamic calendar)
Feast of Sacrifice. Sheep are slaughtered, and meat is shared with relatives and the poor.
Independence Day Parade
Season or date: November 28
National event celebrating independence with military parades and fireworks.
Public holidays
- Independence Day
- Africa Day
- May Day
- Islamic New Year
- Mawlid (Prophet's Birthday)
- Eid al-Fitr
- Eid al-Adha