Mauritius knows how to party. From paradisal white sandy beaches to palm tree-fringed lagoons, from the rising beat of traditional séga music to a local culture alive with African, Indian, Chinese and French influences, this tropical island feels like it was created with one thing in mind – to have a good time.
Join the party in 2015 with our pick of the best events and festivals taking place throughout the year.
Thaipoosam Cavadee
3 February
Taking place at Hindu temples across the island, Thaipoosam Cavadee is held in honour of the god Muruga, son of Shiva and Parvati, and is the most important, most spectacular festival in the Tamil calendar. The lead-up involves 10 days of fasting and prayers, climaxing in a pilgrimage from the temple to the river carrying cavadees, wooden structures covered with flowers and feathers, carried on the head and shoulders. Look out for Tamils with freshly pierced cheeks, backs and chests – a sign of their devotion.
Chinese New Year
19 February
This exuberant festival marks the start of a new year in the Chinese calendar – which in 2015 is the Year of the Sheep – and sees parades of dancing Chinese dragons and spectacular firecracker displays, which are said to ward off evil spirits. Wear red (the colour of happiness) and head to Chinatown in Port Louis for the best atmosphere. You’ll find an abundance of food, so tuck in to dumplings and traditional New Year cake, made with rice flour and sugar.
Holi
6 March
One to celebrate with enthusiasm, this Hindu festival of colours sees everyone out on the streets, chasing each other with water guns called pichkaris, made from bamboo, and drenching each other in coloured water called gulal. Everyone is fair game, so be prepared to get involved. Start with singing and dancing at a Holika bonfire the night before, and be sure to try gujiya, a type of dumpling that is roasted in ghee.
Mauritius National Day
12 March
Mauritius National Day marks the anniversary of the island’s independence from the British in 1968 and sees a spirited official celebration at the Anjalay stadium in Belle Vue, with marching bands and aerial displays. Though the scale of the celebration is impressive, it is the passion and pride it exhibits that really stays in the memory.
Ganesh Chaturthi
17 September
This Hindu festival celebrates the birth of Ganesh, the elephant-headed deity and god of new beginnings. It has been marked in Mauritius since 1896 and today sees hundreds of people heading to streams and beaches to immerse replicas of Ganesh in the waters, which has to be done before sundown. Head to Roche Noire public beach for one of the biggest celebrations.
Diwali
11 November
The festival of lights is an important date in the Mauritian calendar and the celebration on the island is as effusive as any you will see in India. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness and sees oil lamps, lightbulbs and candles put out in front of every home and decorations hung in the streets. There is no more beautiful time to be in Mauritius than this.
British Airways operates three flights a week to Mauritius from London Gatwick. Book a holiday to Mauritius now
