Mauritius Events and Festivals
January
New Year
Mauritians have a two-day public holiday, on the 1 and 2 January, to recover from New Year’s celebrations. These are usually spent resting after the overindulgence, fireworks and parties of New Year’s Eve.
Chinese Spring Festival
Falling between January and February, the Chinese Spring Festival sees in the New Year with colourful celebrations. Red decorations symbolising happiness are prevalent and firecrackers are set off to keep away evil spirits. Special foods are consumed including traditional wax cake.
February
Abolition of Slavery
This momentous historical day is celebrated on 1 February in remembrance of the abolition of slavery in Mauritius by the British in 1835. Prior to this legislation, slaves were imported to the island from Africa and Madagascar during the French occupation.
Thaipoosam Cavadee
Normally held in February, this elaborate holiday includes such spectacles as fire-walking and sword-climbing, with the festival having a Tamil origin. Devotees pierce various parts of their bodies with needles and skewers before walking in procession to the temple bearing the ‘Cavadee’, a flower-covered wooden arch with a pot of milk at each end of its base which is to be placed before the statue of the deity.
Maha Shivratree
Usually observed between February and March, Maha Shivaratree is a Hindu celebration in honour of Shiva. Worshippers dress in white to carry the ‘kanwar’, flower-covered wooden arches to Grand Bassin, where they collect holy water from the lake.
March
National Day (Independence Day)
Held on 12 March, this is a celebration of Mauritius’ independence, which was gained from the United Kingdom in 1968. Visitors can expect plenty of fireworks and parties.
Ugadi
Celebrated in March, Ugadi is the Telegu New Year. Festivities include parties and family get-togethers.
April
Easter
The Christian communities in Mauritius observe Easter celebrations and attend church services to remember the resurrection of Jesus. Many families also observe more modern traditions such as the giving of chocolate Easter eggs and the hosting of children’s Easter egg hunts.
May
Labour Day
This is a public holiday and day of rest from work, held on 1 May. Festivities are usually subdued, with people generally preferring to catch up on sleep.
August
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
A festival that was adopted by the French in colonial times, this Catholic event is observed on 15 August. This day commemorates the death of Mary and the assumption of her body into heaven.
September
Ganesh Chaturthi
Taking place between August and September, Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festivity that marks the birthday of Ganesh, the master of intellect and wisdom. A statue of the God is placed into a body of water as hundreds of worshippers look on.
October
Diwali
Held between October and November, this is the most upbeat of Hindu festivals. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali represents the victory of good over evil in mythology. Homes are decorated with lights at this time and many fireworks are set off.
Eid-Ul-Fitr
Occuring between October and November, this Islamic festival marks the end of Ramadan, a period of fasting for all Muslims. Muslims typically rejoice on this day, pray and eat special foods with their family.
November
Arrival of Indentured Labourers
Held on 2 November, this day marks the time when Indians began to be imported to Mauritius as labourers to replace slaves once the abolition took force in 1834.
December
Christmas
A predominantly Christian festival that is regardless enjoyed by many faiths, Christmas celebrations include church services, present-giving and a large feast of food.
National Holidays
New Year: 1 and 2 January
Abolition of Slavery: 1 February
National Day (Independence Day): 12 March
Labour Day: 1 May
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 15 August
Arrival of Indentured Labourers: 2 November
Christmas: 25 December
Chinese Spring Festival: Date varies each year
Thaipoosam Cavadee: Date varies each year
Maha Shivratree: Date varies each year
Ugadi: Date varies each year
Ganesh Chaturthi: Date varies each year
Diwali: Date varies each year
Eid-Ul-Fitr: Date varies each year
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