Holidays

Holidays in Mauritius

In the Indian Ocean, not far from Madagascar, Mauritius enjoys a tropical climate. Half of the population are Hindus, 30 percent are Christians, 17 percent followers of Islam. This colourful mix of religions also determines the holiday calendar.

Overview

New Year – January 01

Thaipoosam Cavadee – Flexible

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery – 01 February

Chinese New Year – Flexible

Maha Shivaratri – Flexible

National Holiday – March 12

Ougadi – Flexible

Labour Day – May 01

End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) – Flexible

Ganesh Chaturthi – Flexible

All Saints Day – November 01

Anniversary of the arrival of the indentured labourers – November 02

Festival of Lights (Diwali) – Flexible

Christmas – December 25

Worth knowing about selected holidays

Thaipoosam Cavadee

Murugan, the god of war, is celebrated during this festival – in spectacular fashion. The devotees of the god first put themselves in a trance. Then they stick needles, nails but also whole swords and daggers, through various parts of their bodies.

The cavadee, a wooden construction, is used to transport vessels containing milk to the temples, which is then poured over the deities in the temples. By doing so, the devotees hope to have Murugan’s favour on their side. For the tourist, Thaipoosam Cavadee is a spectacle as fascinating as it is terrifying.

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivarati, roughly the Night of Shiva, is one of the most important Hindu holidays. Sleep is prohibited on this night. The night of Shiva is said to be for freeing the mind from sluggishness. Drum beats and chants resound everywhere. Many people fast until dawn on this night. In temples, devotees of Shiva lay down floral decorations and fruits.

Ougadi

During the Telugu New Year, people gather in family circles for extended meals. Relatives and friends gift each other with cakes on this day. In many places, performances are held for tourists to attend. Houses are decorated with 18 mango leaves and flower ornaments for the festival.

Chinese New Year

The lucky color red dominates the streetscape on this day. Spectacular fireworks are set off in the evening, followed by the Dragon Festival, where Chinese dancers perform their traditional lion dances.

Ganesh Chaturthi

The birth of the elephant god Ganesha is celebrated on Ganesh Chturthi. People carry small figures of the deity to the sea and rivers, where they are immersed before sunset.

Fest of Lights

The victory of light against darkness, or the defeat of Ravana in the battle against Rama, is celebrated by the people of Mauritus with the Festival of Lights. Small clay lamps are set up throughout the country and lit after sunset. The goddess of prosperity and happiness is said to be lured into homes in this way.