Important Facts

The Republic of Mauritius is a mountainous island located in

the Indian Ocean, in the southeast coast of the African
continent. The country includes in this territory the island of

Mauritius, Rodriguez, the islands of Agalega, and the

archipelago of Saint Brandon. The known history of Mauritius

begins with its discovery by Europeans and its appearance on

maps in the early sixteenth century. Mauritius was one after

another colonized by the Dutch, the French and the British,

and became independent in 1968. It has preserved its image as
one of Africa's few social and economic success stories
About their history

The island of Mauritius was visited during the medieval time

by the Arabs and then by the Portuguese. The island was
desolate until the Dutch Republic

Full name: The

Republic of Mauritius
Population: 1.3
million (UN, 2012)
Capital and largest
city: Port Louis
Area: 2,040 sq km
(788 sq miles)
Major languages:
English (official),
Creole, French, Indian
languages
Major religions:
Hinduism, Christianity,
Islam
Monetary unit: 1
Mauritian rupee=100
cents
Main exports: Sugar,
clothing, tea, jewellery

established a colony in 1638, but

they abandoned it in 1710, five years later, the island
became a French colony. Because of its value position
Mauritius was an important base in the commercial
routes in the Indian Ocean. For that reason the British
and French had a lot of disputes over the territory. The
French won the first battle, but they had to surrender
to the British on the fifth day of the invasion, 3
December 1810. They allowed to the settlers to keep
their land and property, the use of the French
language, and the law of France in criminal and civil
matters. Under British rule the country became an
independent state on 12 March 1968, following the adoption of a new
constitution and became a republic in 1992 within the Commonwealth.

Culture of Mauritius
In Mauritius the people are multiethnic and multicultural this because of the
miscegenation between the Asians, Europeans and Africans, in fact the island is
known for its stability and racial harmony. Most Mauritians are multilingual;
Mauritian Creole, English, French, and Asian languages are used. It is really
fascinating to discover the Mauritian diverse cultures. Each culture has their
traditions, beliefs and their festivals. The religions found in Mauritius are
mainly Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Buddhism. About their cuisine they have
been very influence by the French mixed with the Creole, Chinese, European
and Indian. It depends also of what is the religion of the house. The country is
much known for the production of rum, because as part of their economy they
plant sugarcane. This island is the truly essence of tolerance and respect,
because in their small territory is a major blending of different cultures.
As part of their culture the most important holidays celebrated are:
Chinese Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, its held on January
February. The exact date of for the celebrations is determined according
to the Chinese calendar. As part of the celebrations fireworks are set off
according to tradition to drive away the evil spirits. Families get together
and celebrate the New Year with an abundance of food. At the end of the
festivals, Chinese dancers will perform the Lion Dance. The festival
celebrations include parades with figures of dancing dragons, lions and a
fireworks show. The main color during this festival is the red which is the
symbol of happiness. The main celebrations are held on that day in Port
Louis in China town with Chinese Dragons, lion dances and fireworks.

Cavadee Festival, celebrated in the end of January- February, this

religious festival is celebrated mostly by Indians of Tamil origin and is
one of the most impressive festivals in Mauritius. The devotees are after a
period of fasting, and many have their cheeks, tongues and chests pierced
with needles before going to the temple with their offerings on their
backs. The devotees who are considered to be in a trance, walk bare feet
to the temple, while carrying on their back the Cavadee (an arc of wood,
metal or plastic) symbolizing the sacred mountains. The Cavadee is

covered with flowers and with a pot of milk. The arc is laid down in the
temple at the feet of the statue of a divinity
Thaipoosam Cavadee, is celebrated at the begging of February, this is the
Tamil day of the regret, which is celebrated with ritual mortifications,
washings and fasting. This festival is celebrated by all Hindus at temples
throughout Mauritius. The streets are filled with devotees carrying flower
covered wooden arches and pots of milk.
Maha Shivaratree celebrated between February and March. The maha
Shivaratree is celebrated every year in honor of the Lord Shiva. The Maha
Shivatree is a three-day Hindu festival, during which thousands of
Hindus pilgrimage to Grand Bassin to purify themselves in the water of
the lake. Grand Bassin is a holy lake for Mauritians of Hindu faith. It is
said that the water inside the lake communicates with the waters of the
holy Ganges river of India. Once at the Grand Bassin, they make food
sacrifices and get holy water from the lake. The participants are dressed
in white, while carrying bamboo things on their shoulders as a sign of
sacrifice. The whole scene is a representation of the great rituals on the
banks of the Holy Ganges in India.

Holi Festival is celebrated in March; it is an Indian festival of fire and

colors. The Hindu population in Mauritius celebrates the festival by
splashing everyone who crosses their way with colored water and
powder, and with singing and dancing.
Mauritius National Holiday on March 12th, in this day there are Parades
and festivities, held in memory of the foundation of the state of Mauritius
on March 12th, 1968.

The Ganesh Chaturti Festival is celebrated by the Hindus which

commemorates the birth of the God Ganesh. On this day the Hindus will
go to riverbanks or beaches with small replicas of the elephant head God,
these replicas need to be immersed in water before sunset.

 Father Laval Day. Each year on the 9th September, Mauritians of all
ethnic groups visit the tomb of Father Laval in Sainte Croix, Port Louis.
Jacques Desire, born in 1803 and came to Mauritius in 1841, was a
French missionary and doctor, who is believed to have had miraculous
healing powers. He was the first person beatified by the Pope John Paul
II after the latter became pope. Jacques Dsir Laval became the
protector of the slaves community and has become the symbol of
compassion and love.
Eid-Ul-Fitr Festival is celebrated by the Mauritian Muslim, is celebrated
at the end of the holy month of fasting which is known as the Ramadan.
The Ramadan is a period of around one month during which the Muslim
fast during day time. All Muslims celebrate this day with prayers at the
mosques where food and cakes are shared. As part of the celebrations the
participants exchange gifts with the relatives and make donation to poor
people.
The Festivals of Light or The Divali is celebrated by the Hindus. It marks
the victory of good Rama over evil Ravana in the epic Indian poem.
During this night as from six oclock all Hindus and many Mauritians
decorate their homes with small oil lamps, candles, clay lamps or electric
bulbs. Nowadays also a lot of houses are decorated with electrical lights
chains and also some of the main streets are lighted with special light
decorations. This is why this festival is also known as the festival of lights.
Cakes are cooked and shared among families and neighbors on that day.
All Saints Day is tribute is given to all the deads. This is a Christian
festival where people go to mass before going to leave flowers on the
tombs.
Christian's festivals - Mauritius has a big Christian community, mostly of
Catholic faith. This is why Christian holidays and celebration like Easter
and Christmas are celebrated in Mauritius with almost the same tradition
as in Europe. You will find the traditional Easter chocolate eggs during
Easter and Santa Claus and Christmas trees during Christmas.

Must seen places while visiting Mauritius

1. Le Morne

2. Black River Gorges National Park

3. Chamarel

4. Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

5. Chateau de Labourdonnais

6. Grand Bassin