Festivals in Mauritius

Discover traditional festivals and celebrations of this country

Africa / Southern Africa

Festivals

Independence Day

Season or date: March 12

National celebration of independence. Military parades and fireworks held.

Diwali

Season or date: October–November (new moon)

Hindu festival of lights. Houses decorated with oil lamps.

Thaipusam Kavadi

Season or date: January–February

Tamil Hindu pilgrimage of austerity. Colorful kavadis carried through streets.

Maha Shivaratri

Season or date: Late February–early March

Grand festival dedicated to Shiva. Devotees make walking pilgrimage to Grand Bassin lake.

Eid al-Fitr

Season or date: 1st of Shawwal (Islamic calendar)

Islamic celebration marking end of Ramadan. Sweets distributed to family and friends.

Spring Festival

Season or date: Lunar New Year

Chinese community's New Year. Red lanterns and lion dances decorate the streets.

Porlwi by Light

Season or date: December

Night festival enveloping capital Port Louis in light and art.

Festival Créole

Season or date: October

Celebration of Creole culture with music, dance, and cuisine.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Season or date: August–September

Birthday festival of Ganesha. Ritual immersion of statues in sea or rivers.

Christmas

Season or date: December 25

Celebrated by families across denominations. Sega Christmas songs play in towns.

Public holidays

  • New Year (January 1-2)
  • Abolition of Slavery Day (February 1)
  • Independence Day (March 12)
  • Labour Day (May 1)
  • Ganesh Chaturthi (variable)
  • Diwali (variable)
  • Eid al-Fitr (variable)
  • Spring Festival (variable)
  • Christmas (December 25)

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