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Cultural festivals in Mauritius

Come and celebrate our cultural festivals in Mauritius! The island is one of the most multicultural countries in the world, meaning more reasons to celebrate. Visit during Holi and watch colourful powder fly through the air or stay in Mauritius during Maha Shivaratri and see pilgrims travelling from all over the island to make offerings to the shrines at sacred Grand Bassin lake.

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) is celebrated across the island but you’ll often find the biggest celebrations in Chinatown in the capital, Port Louis.

Diwali

The Hindu ‘festival of lights’ is a big celebration across Mauritius. Many islanders decorate their homes, make traditional sweets and create colourful rangoli patterns.

Maha Shivaratri

This Hindu festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated with a pilgrimage to a sacred lake known as Grand Bassin or Ganga Talao.

Pere Laval Pilgrimage

Every September, Mauritians from across the island make a pilgrimage to the shrine of Father Jacques Désiré Laval at Sainte Croix, where prayers are said.

Thaipoosam Cavadee

This festival is celebrated in honour of the God Muruga. People celebrate by carrying sacred milk and an arc covered in flowers to the temple.

Holi

The Hindu ‘festival of colours’ is celebrated with singing, dancing and brightly-coloured powder playfully smeared on one another to celebrate the triumph of good over evil!

Eid Ul-Fitr

The Islamic holiday celebrates the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayers. It’s a day of feasting, praying and donating to those in need.

Ganesh Chaturthi

This public holiday celebrates Lord Ganesh with processions carrying statues of the Hindu god along the beaches and riverbanks to immerse him in the water.