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The festivals in Mauritius represent the island’s diverse culture and traditions. It is a prosperous cosmopolitan civilization, a fusion of traditions from different parts of the world. This nation is home to a diverse range of religions, including Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam, each with its own set of festivities and festivals held throughout the year. It is also the only African country with Hinduism as its primary religion. Mauritius is frequently thought of as an idyllic destination for a beach vacation, and while that is certainly accurate, the island offers much more.
Top 10 festivals In Mauritius
The locals are always eager to welcome visitors with warmth and invite them to partake in the vibrant celebrations. Let’s explore the lively festivals in Mauritius.
1. Cavadee
Photo: Kamakshi Subramani / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Cavadee is one of the most lively and prominent festivals in Mauritius, honoring Lord Murugam, a beloved deity among the Tamil community, which constitutes a substantial portion of the island’s population. During this ten-day celebration, participants engage in fasting, prayer, and abstain from various earthly delights, including non-vegetarian food. Following this period of devotion, grand festivities take place in Hindu temples across the region.
Places To visit: Sockalingum Meenatchee Ammen Kovil
Celebrated In: January
Cuisines To Try: Sept Cari, Payasam, Appalam, Panakam
2. Chinese New Year
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in Mauritius is the Chinese New Year. Marking the beginning of the lunar calendar, it is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Chinese-Mauritian community. The festivities include dragon and lion dances, fireworks, traditional music, and family feasts featuring symbolic dishes. Homes and streets are decorated in red, believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Chinese New Year adds rich cultural diversity to Mauritius, making it a must-experience celebration for both locals and tourists.
Places To visit: Chinatown in Port Louis
Celebrated In: January on the 21st – February on the 20th
Cuisines To Try: Dumplings, seaweed, raw fish salad, traditional wax cakes
3. Holi
Mauritius is a vibrant island nation known for its cultural diversity, and its festivals reflect this rich heritage. One of the most famous festivals celebrated here is Holi, the Hindu festival of colors. Marking the arrival of spring, Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the island. People gather to throw colored powders, dance, and enjoy festive sweets, symbolizing joy, unity, and the triumph of good over evil. It’s a lively, unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike.
Places To visit: Port Louis
Celebrated In: March
Cuisines To Try: Gujiya, Puri, Kachori, Lassi, Kanji
4. Ugadi
Photo: Kalyan Kanuri / Wikimedia Commons
Mauritius is a vibrant cultural mosaic, and its festivals reflect the island’s rich heritage and diversity. Among the many celebrations, Ugadi, the Telugu New Year, is observed with devotion and joy by the Telugu-speaking community, marking new beginnings and spiritual renewal. Alongside Ugadi, festivals like Cavadee, Diwali, the Chinese Spring Festival, Eid, and Christmas unite people across cultures. These famous festivals in Mauritius offer travelers a unique glimpse into its spiritual depth, lively traditions, and the warm spirit of its people.
Celebrated In: May or June
Cuisines To Try: Ugadi Pachadi, Roti Chaud
5. Corpus Christi
Photo: yldzynp / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Corpus Christi is one of the most celebrated Christian festivals in Mauritius, observed with deep reverence through solemn processions and church services. It unites communities in a powerful expression of faith and devotion. Alongside Corpus Christi, festivals such as Diwali, Eid, and Chinese New Year reflect the island’s rich multicultural heritage and religious harmony. These diverse celebrations make Mauritius a vibrant and inclusive destination, where traditions from various faiths are honored with equal enthusiasm throughout the year.
Places To visit: Port Louis
Celebrated In: June
Cuisines To Try: Dhol Puri, Fish Vindaye, Poudine Mais.
6. Ganesh Chaturthi
Photo: Shrinidhi Holla / Pexels
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most famous and widely celebrated festivals in Mauritius, reflecting the island’s rich Hindu cultural heritage. Devotees honor Lord Ganesha with vibrant processions, traditional prayers, and beautifully crafted idols. The festival typically lasts for ten days, with temples and homes adorned with flowers and lights. On the final day, grand immersion ceremonies take place in rivers and the sea, creating a colorful and spiritual atmosphere enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Places To visit: Cascavelle
Celebrated In: August – September
Cuisines To Try: Modak
7. Père Laval Day
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Père Laval Day is one of the most important religious festivals in Mauritius, celebrated on September 9th. Thousands of pilgrims, both locals and tourists, gather at the shrine of Blessed Jacques-Désiré Laval in Sainte-Croix to pay tribute. This spiritual event highlights the island’s cultural diversity and unity. As with many festivals in Mauritius, Père Laval Day reflects the nation’s deep-rooted traditions, drawing people together in a peaceful and faith-filled celebration.
Places To visit: Père Laval’s shrine in Sainte Croix, Citadel Forte Adelaide, Black River Gorges National Park.
Celebrated In: September
Cuisines To Try: Bol Renversé, Vindaye, Roti, Mine Frites
8. Diwali
Photo: Miguel Acosta / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated festivals in Mauritius, especially among the Hindu community. The island comes alive with beautifully lit homes, vibrant decorations, and joyous family gatherings. Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Traditional sweets are shared, and oil lamps called diyas illuminate the night, creating a magical atmosphere. It’s a time of spiritual renewal, cultural pride, and festive unity across the diverse Mauritian population.
Places To visit: Château de Labourdonnais, Shivala Temple, Portfolio Louis
Celebrated In: October -November
Cuisines To Try: Mauritian Diwali cakes
9. Ghoons
Photo: Payam Moein / Wikimedia Commons
The Ghoon celebrations in Mauritius date back to the 1790s and are observed by a small segment of the Muslim community. This commemoration honors the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the Prophet Mohammed’s nephew. The rituals include mourning processions where participants carry illuminated lanterns called “ghoons,” intricately made from paper and bamboo, symbolizing tents. These vibrant displays reflect deep respect and remembrance of historical religious events.
Places To visit: Plaine Verte
Celebrated In: July
Cuisines To Try: Mauritian Cari, local seafood dishes.
Festivals in Mauritius are a vital part of its cultural legacy, showcasing the island’s rich diversity and unity. What truly sets Mauritius apart is the way people from all religions and backgrounds come together to celebrate each other’s traditions in harmony. Plan your trip with TripXL to experience the authentic cultural journeys, uncover hidden gems, and embrace the vibrant spirit of Mauritius through its colorful, joyful, and inclusive festival celebrations.
Cover Photo: Tom Sekula / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
