Joanna James
Although most tourists visit Mauritius to experience its stunning beaches, the island's cultural heritage is an equally compelling reason to head to the country. From vibrant Hindu celebrations to popular food festivals, here are 8 of the top cultural celebrations in Mauritius.
As a local event created to preserve the musical heritage of Mauritian culture, the Noulesa Festival is an annual music and dance melee that attracts thousands. Delving deep into the origins of Mauritian music and sound, event attendees can witness countless concerts and performances across the island. A nostalgic event for those with a passion for traditional Mauritian music, the festival brings together artists and dancers from all around the country.
Undoubtedly the biggest and most anticipated cultural festival in the Mauritian calendar, Diwali is primarily a sacred event marked by the Hindu community. Also called the Festival of Lights, it is not uncommon to see the highways and byways of local streets and thoroughfares decorated with oil lamps and other illuminations in the days leading up to the big day. Usually held during the October/November period, the festival celebrates light overcoming darkness and good overcoming evil. Those based at Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas and similar accommodation hubs during Diwali can partake in the merrymaking by digging into festival-themed sweetmeats and special feasts.
While the country's seafood dishes are among the main attractions in Mauritius as far as foodies are concerned, the Moka Street Food Festival is an equally enticing reason to vacation on the island. Celebrating the island's culinary prowess and traditional meals, Mauritian regional delicacies as well as well-loved staples are served up during this street food event. More than 20 street food vendors take part each year and create a lively atmosphere that's ideal for family dining.
Famed for its extravagant street processions, this Tamil festival is a religious event organized to pay tribute to Lord Murugan. Devotees will carry richly decorated Kavadi to Hindu temples around the country during this festival which involves taking part ancient in rituals of penance designed to appease the deity.
Those with an interest in Creole culture must take part in this music, art, dance and food festival held in July. In addition to picking up tasteful souvenirs made by local artists, it is also the only chance tourists will get to savour Creole cuisine outside fine dining restaurants devoted to Creole heritage.
Conducted in conjunction with the Chinese New Year, the Chinatown Food Festival is an event Chinese food fanatics can't afford to miss in January. Centered around Chinatown, countless restaurants and food vendors take part in this festival where travellers can tuck into dim sums and then some.
Taking place in February, Maha Shivrathri is a spiritual event devoted to Lord Shiva. As one of the country's grandest religious festivals, pilgrims will often take part in overnight vigils, fasts and religious rituals to mark the hallowed day.
Ranked among the most magical festivities in Mauritius, the motive behind the Lantern Festival is bringing prosperity, hope and unity to the country at large. Although illuminated paper lanterns are the most visible element of this festival, traditional delicacies and sweets are also prepared in time for the holiday in Mauritian households.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
