Discover the celebrations taking place in Mauritius during your stay
Mauritius overflows with popular activities and festivals that celebrate the local cultural heritage.
January, February and March are the months that honour the island’s Asian culture. Sankranti is celebrated intimately on the 14th of January and this event is followed by a number of colourful and festive traditional celebrations, like the Thaipoosam Cavadee, Maha Shivaratri, Chinese New Year, Holi and Ugadi.
The list of public holidays extends to the celebration of the Abolition of Slavery which takes national importance with performances across the island mostly including music concerts.
This year on March 12th, it’s the National Day, and this time, it’s like no other. It will mark the 50th Anniversary of Independence, which reminds us all, of the journey from 1968 to date.
From a country that was mainly reliant on agriculture with widespread poverty to a state island benefitting from world-class facilities (though there remain a number of challenges to be addressed), Mauritius has grown through its diverse economy, striving to shine in the African region.
Christmas, Easter, Assumption is celebrated by most Mauritians as a tradition or religiously. Christmas is one of the most important celebrations which is preceded by a shopping spree with most malls full of activities ranging from Mehendi application to photoshoot with Santa.
Described as the Lourdes of Mauritius by many, the shrine of Pere Laval is visited yearly by thousands of pilgrims, some seeking for a miracle, on the 8th of September each year.
Divali, the festival of lights is our favourite. The festive ambience that locks the country in conviviality for a week or so, is a special one. Vegetarian sweet cakes known as mittai in Hindi, are baked and prepared in most homes and shared with neighbours, friends and relatives.
In the evening, houses and gardens are decorated with diyas, earthen lamps or fairy lights wrapped around palm trees and hanging from rooftops. It’s a magical sight.
Festivals and Celebrations are an integral part of Mauritian culture.
