Mauritius is a multi-ethnic, multilingual and plural society with a population composed mainly of four major ethnic and religious groups. It is often depicted as a "rainbow nation".
The island of Mauritius did not have any indigenous population and has been characterized by successive waves of European colonization and multiple immigrations. Under French rule between 1715 and 1810, slaves were imported on the island from mainland Africa and Madagascar.
Indian migrants from Pondicherry first arrived on the island in 1736. Later, massive immigration from the Bhojpuri-speaking regions of India took place following the abolition of slavery in 1835 by the British Empire. After an early influx of Chinese migrants into Mauritius, mostly from Fujian, Cantonese and Hakka migrants from Southern China (Guangdong) settled on the island, first as indentured labourers and later as free merchants. Hakka Sino-Mauritians eventually became the dominant group within the community.
The co-existence of Mauritians of Indian, African (known as Mauritian Creoles), European (mostly French), and Chinese ancestry eventually led to a sharing of values and cultures, a collective participation in festivals and an increased understanding between people of different ethnic backgrounds. Mauritians from different cultural backgrounds are very distinct from each other, and it is also highly unpopular to encourage the dissolution of cultural boundaries in Mauritius. Mauritian high culture is French and Indian dominated.
Religions
The Constitution of Mauritius prohibits discrimination based on creed and provides for the right of individuals to change, manifest, and propagate their religious beliefs. The government of Mauritius recognizes 6 groups as religions: Hindus, Roman Catholics, Muslims, Anglicans, Presbyterians, and Seventh-day Adventists; other religious groups must register as associations.
The people of Indian descent (Indo-Mauritian) follow mostly Hinduism and Islam. The Franco-Mauritians, Creoles and Sino-Mauritians follow Christianity. Hinduism is the major religion, followed by Christianity (with Catholicism as the largest Christian denomination), followed by Islam and some form of Chinese-related religions; a very small number of people follow Buddhism.
A majority of Sino-Mauritians identify as Catholic Christians. However, Sino-Mauritians also follow some form of Chinese-related religions (which include Taoist and Chinese Folk religions). A minority of Sino-Mauritians follow Buddhism; they also follow Confucianism. Guan Di (Kwan Tee; the god of wealth, also the god of war and the righteous and the benefactor) is an important deity for Sino-Mauritians, especially for those working in the business field. In Chinese pagodas, altars can also be found for Guan Yin, the Goddess Mazu (also known as Tin Hao; the protector of sailors), the God Choy Sun (the God of Good Fortune). Pagodas also shelter ancestral cult altars and ancestral tablets. Following Chinese tradition, religious services are typically conducted one week after death at the pagoda and the ancestral tablet of the deceased with his name written in Chinese characters is deposited behind the altar. On Chinese New Year, descendants of the deceased can practice the ancestral rites before the ancestral tablets as a sign of respect.
Public holidays and festivals
Celebrated festivals with public holidays
Public holidays on the same dates +Name of holidayDescriptionDateType of calendarNew Year's DayCelebration to welcome the new year, celebrated by Mauritians of all origins. Some Mauritians keep vigils on New Year's Eve and set off fireworks.1-2 JanuaryFollows Gregorian calendarAbolition of Slavery DayCommemoration of the end of slavery in Mauritius in 1835.1 FebruaryNational DayCelebration of Mauritius' independence from Britain in 1968.12 MarchLabour DayObserved in solidarity with other workers worldwide1 MayArrival of Indian indentured labourers DayCommemoration of the indenture labourers' contribution to the heritage and development of Mauritius.2 NovemberChristmas Day 25 December Public holidays with different dates
The festivals listed below are not celebrated on the same date every year. Therefore, only the months when they are likely to be celebrated is given. +Name of holidayMonth of the year based on Gregorian calendarEthnic/religious groupsDescriptionChinese Spring FestivalJanuary or February, dependent on the Chinese calendarChinese Festival of Sino-Mauritians and Overseas Chinese living in MauritiusThe Spring Festival, which is the Chinese New Year, is celebrated in January/February, depending on the adjustment of lunar days. Red, the symbol of happiness, is the dominant colour. Food is piled up to ensure abundance during the year and the traditional wax cake is distributed to relatives and friends. Firecrackers are lit to ward off evil spirits.Thaipoosam Cavadee January or February, dependent on the Tamil calendarHindu festival of Tamil MauritiansCavadee is celebrated in honour of Hindu deity Lord Murugan during January/February, more precisely by the Tamil community in Mauritius. Along with the fire-walking and sword-climbing ceremonies, Cavadee is among the most spectacular Tamil events. The body pierced with needles and the tongue and cheeks with skewers, the devotee, trance-like and in penance, walks in procession to the temple bearing the "Cavadee", a wooden arch covered with flowers with a pot of milk at each end of its base which he or she places before the deity.Maha Shivratree Between February and MarchHindu Festival of mainly Bihari Mauritians and other Hindu communities as wellMaha Shivaratree is celebrated in honour of Hindu deity Lord Shiva during Falgun month. Hindu devotees, clad in spotless white, carry the "Kanwar" - wooden arches covered with flowers – set foot for the pilgrimage to Ganga Talao, to fetch the Ganga Jal from the lake. The whole scene is reminiscent of the great rituals on the banks of the Holy Ganges in India.Ugadi/Gudi PadwaMarchHindu Festival of Telugu community and Marathi community in MauritiusUgadi/Gudi Padwa is the Hindu New Year for Telugus and Marathis respectively.Assumption Day 15 AugustChristian FestivalDuring odd years, and Assumption Day in even years. The decision to alternate between the two dates was a government decision to avoid increasing the number of unworked days after Abolition of Slavery (1 February) and Arrival of Indian indentured labourers (2 November) were declared public holidays in the early 2000s.Ganesh Chaturthi Between August and SeptemberHindu Festival of Marathi community in MauritiusGanesh Chaturthi is celebrated by the Marathi-speaking community in Mauritius on the 4th day of the lunar month of the Hindu calendar. It marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the Hindu deity of wisdom and remover of all obstacles according to Hindu mythology.DivaliBetween October and NovemberHindu FestivalDivali is the most jovial of all Hindu festivals. Celebrated in October/November it marks the victory of righteousness over evil in the Hindu mythology. Traditionally, clay oil lamps were placed in front of every home turning the island into a fairyland of flickering lights; these have now been replaced mostly by decorative electric lights.All Saints' Day 1 NovemberChristian FestivalDuring odd years, and All Saints' Day in even years. The decision to alternate between the two dates was a government decision to avoid increasing the number of unworked days after Abolition of Slavery (1 February) and Arrival of Indian indentured labourers (2 November) were declared public holidays in the early 2000s.Eid Ul-Fitr**Any time of year because Islam is based on a lunar calendarMuslim FestivalThe exact date of this festival is subject to confirmation as its celebration depends on the visibility of the moon. Eid-Ul-Fitr** is celebrated to mark the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. It is a day of thanksgiving and rejoicing for Muslims. Special prayers are offered at mosques during that morning.
Major events without public holidays Name of EventsDate/ Month of the year based on Gregorian calendarEthnic/Religious GroupDescriptionChinese Food and Cultural FestivalEnd of April or Early MayChinese eventAn annual event which takes place in the Chinatown in Port-Louis; it is organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. A festival which celebrates Chinese culture, include Chinese culinary and dance. Foreign performers from China and locals may also perform on that event. It started in 2005.Dragon Boat FestivalBetween End of May and beginning June, dependent on the Chinese calendarChinese Festival Sino-Mauritian and Overseas Chinese living in MauritiusDragon Boat Festival is celebrated to commemorate Qu Yuan; tradition include eating zongzi. Dragon Boat Festival has become a major annual event in Mauritius over the years, with Chinese dance events and Dragon Boat race competition. The annual event typically happens in Caudan Waterfront, Port-Louis.Guan Di Birthday; also known as 'Fete Mines' (lit. "Noodle Festival")August, exact date depends on the Chinese calendarChinese FestivalFete Mines commemorates the birthday of the God Guan Di; tradition includes religious ceremonies, including offerings to Guand Di, Chinese dance performance, and fireworks to ward off evil spirits, and distribution of noodles to guests. Guan Di is an important deity for Sino-Mauritians, especially for people in the business field. It is an important event in the city of Port-Louis.Père Laval Pilgrimage8 SeptemberChristian FestivalThe death of Father Jacques Désiré Laval is commemorated on the 9 September. Mauritians, regardless of age throughout the island, leave their houses and start on a long march to the shrine dedicated to Père Laval in St. Croix, Port-Louis .
Clothing of Mauritius Fashion in Mauritius is also influenced by formality-related rules, personal preference, differences between urban and rural lifestyles, and the diverse origins of the Mauritian population, including ethno-religious identity. Mauritians of all backgrounds wear bright colours, especially Mauritian women. Flip-flops (locally known as 'savat'), which are suitable for the Mauritian climate, are worn by all Mauritians regardless of their cultural background.
Beachwear and tight or revealing clothing is acceptable in many resorts but not considered appropriate in towns and villages. Both Western-style clothing and traditional ethnic clothing are worn in Mauritius.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Mauritius is a blend of African, French and other European cuisines, as well as Chinese, and Indian influences. It is common for a combination of cuisines to form part of the same meal.
Beef and pork are not commonly found in restaurants given dietary restrictions of Hindus and Muslims.
Mauritius has had strong ties with French culture throughout its history and was left with a very French "savoir vivre". Even today, the popularity of French dishes like the bouillon, tuna salad, daube, civet de lièvre or coq au vin served with good wine show the prevalence of French culture in Mauritius. As the years passed by, some have been adapted to the more exotic ingredients of the island to confer some unique flavour.
During the 19th century, after the abolition of slavery, Indian workers who migrated to Mauritius brought their cuisine with them. Those indentured labourers came from different parts of India, each with their own culinary tradition, depending on the region. Traces of both northern and southern Indian cuisine can be found in Mauritius. Some common preparations are curry, chutney, rougaille poisson sale (tomato paste that is very popular with fish) and pickles, most of which use local ingredients. The Mauritian versions of those dishes have a local flavour and differ, at times considerably, from the original Indian recipes.