Mauritius in brief

Holidays in Mauritius - take a moment to learn of the
crucible of diverse cultures and religions which the immigrant population brought from their ancestral soils, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism are the most practiced religions on Mauritius.
All year long their festivities are celebrated in
' Peace and Harmony'

Your holiday in Mauritius, needs to be a relaxed affair, but there is so much to see and do and time has to be spared, away from the comforts and enjoyments of the many fine beach hotel resorts with all the many facilities that they provide, to go out and learn more about this
Dream Island of Mauritius with its' friendly and proud people.

If this is your first visit or holiday in Mauritius, here is a little calendar of 'special events'

Maha Shivratri - This religious festival is celebrated in honour of the
God Shiva, in February. After a fast, Hindu devotees, dressed in spotless white, carry the 'kanwar' - made with bamboo richly decorated with paper and flowers - in procession to Grand Bassin to bring back holy water. The Ganga Talao pilgrimage reminds one of the sacred rites made on the banks of the Ganges in India.

Divali - Mauritius Festival of Lights is celebrated in a spirit of pure joy, in the month of October or November. Before the festival, the house is cleaned with particular care. New clothes are bought for the children. Sweets are made at home or bought in shops and offered to friends and relatives. Small clay lamps line the walls and balconies and the yard. At sunset they are lit and everywhere shine the golden lights meant to guide the Goddess of wealth and luck. Divali is in fact the victory of truth (light) over ignorance (darkness). The Festival of Lights, Divali, is a celebration of joy, happiness and for many Mauritians, a time for sharing.

Father Laval - On every September 9th, Mauritians of all faiths walk or drive towards the tomb of the Blessed Jacques Desire Laval, the 'Apostle of the Black People' at Ste-Croix, Port-Louis. The belief in Pere Laval, to whom powers of healing are attributed, reminds us of the Lourdes Pilgrimage of France.

Id-El-Fitr - The Id-El-Fitr festival announces the end of the Ramadan - the fasting period of Muslim people. Prayers are said in mosques all day long.

Holi - This Hindu festival is as colourful as the many legends from which it originates. It is above all a festival of joy during which men and women  throw coloured water and powder on each other and wish one another well.

Spring Festival - The Chinese New Year is celebrated each year on a different date, owing to the differences between the lunar and the solar calendar. Before the festival, the house is cleared from top to bottom. On the very day of the festival, no knife or scissors are used. Red symbol of happiness is the main colour of the day. Food offerings are made to ensure that the following year will be plentiful and traditional 'wax' cakes are distributed to parents and friends. Firecrackers explode to drive away evil spirits.

Cavdi - This festival is celebrated in January/February. Bodies pierced with needles, tongues and cheeks with pins, devotees in a trance carry the 'Cavadi' on their shoulders as a punishment. The 'Cavadi' is a wooden arch, covered with flowers and with a pot of milk at each corner.

Ougadi - Ougadi is the Telugu New Year and is usually celebrated in March.

Ganesh Chaturthi -  is celebrated on the 4th day of the lunar month of August/September by Hindus in honour of the birth of Ganesha, God of wisdom.

The Sega, it's music and dance form, is typical to Mauritius. The Sega, mainly based on African music originating from slavery, is today played with modern instruments and contain contemporary musical influence. The rubbing of feet, the swaying of the hips and Creole lyrics are part and parcel of the music. It cannot be denied that slaves quickly began dancing the Sega to forget their humiliating way way of living.

Naval Museum -Built in 1771 this house now contains the marine past of Mauritius. Used as an infirmary during the famous battle of Vieux Grand Port, the hose was turned into a museum 1n 1950. Closed on Tuesdays and Public Holidays.

Blue Penny Museum - Founded by the Mauritius Commercial Bank, the Blue Penny museum boasts of objects of high national heritage value, particularly rare objects, including the famous stamps of the Mauritius 'Post Office' series, being the first to print in the world in 1847.

Frederick Hendrik Museum - Contains objects found during recent excavation work and concentrates on the Dutch occupation period. It is educational and brings to light the traces left by men who came to this small island in the Indian Ocean in the 16th century. Closed Sunday afternoons and public holidays.

Textile Museum - The Floreal Knitwear Group, the most important textile group in Mauritius is known worldwide. Floreal is well-known for its high quality clothes range, namely its t-shirts, pullovers and  Bermuda shorts. The group has invested in a textile museum to present a historical overview of the cloth art and industry in Mauritius.

For more information regarding the history of Mauritius
(click)
Simon (our contact Mauritian Tourist Guide and Taxi Owner)
will take you for a half or full day excursion.

Please contact us if you need to talk to someone who has been ! - regarding your
holiday in Mauritius, wedding, honeymoon, or special occasion in Mauritius.

Telephone 0113 2773 663

Speak To Someone Who's Been !

(Our grateful thanks to the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority for copy)