Festivals & Holidays

Mauritius has as many holidays as hardly any other country — each religious community has its own festivals, and most are celebrated by the entire island. The result: There is hardly a month without a festival.

The Most Important Festivals

• Maha Shivaratri (February/March) — The largest Hindu festival: Hundreds of thousands make a pilgrimage to Grand Bassin. Fasting, prayers, processions — an unforgettable experience of devotion.
• Cavadee/Thaipoosam (January/February) — Tamil festival in honor of Murugan: Devotees pierce their skin with needles and carry heavy structures (Cavadee) on their shoulders in a trance procession. Disturbing and fascinating at the same time.
• Holi (March) — The Hindu festival of colors: Everyone throws colored powder at each other and celebrates spring. In Mauritius, it is a particularly exuberant, joyful affair.
• Chinese New Year (January/February) — Chinatown in Port Louis explodes in red and gold: Dragon dances, fireworks, dim sum, and red envelopes with money gifts.
• Eid ul-Fitr (variable) — The end of Ramadan is celebrated with feasts, prayers, and family gatherings. Biryanis and sweets are shared with neighbors — regardless of their religion.
• Divali (October/November) — The Hindu festival of lights: All of Mauritius is adorned with oil lamps and lights. Sweets are exchanged, and the atmosphere is magical.
• National Day (March 12) — Independence Day: Parades, speeches, fireworks, and a strong sense of national unity.
• Abolition Day (February 1) — Commemoration of the abolition of slavery in 1835. Creole music, dance, and ceremonies at Le Morne.