Culture

The Mauritian culture is blend of various cultures deriving from its past, symptomatic of the ethnic diversity and rich socio- cultural inheritance of its people.
People
		The people of this Paradise Island are mix of inheritor of different races such as African, Chinese, Indian, and European, generating a rich multifaceted society with practice of different faith such as Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism; further ensuing the usage of multi-languages, casteism and traditions. In spite of their diversity of backgrounds and origin, Mauritians co-exists in harmony, with genuine leniency. The evidence to this humanity can be easily witnessed while traveling around.

Language
		The local language is Mauritian Creole; “Kreol Morisyen” as described in the language French based vernacular language, developed in the 18th century stemming out of communication between French colonizers and the people they enslaved, whose primary languages being Malagasy, Wolof, and number of East African Bantu languages. The contributions of the Indian indenture laborers brought into Mauritius during the second half of the 19th century appear to be limited to vocabulary, as the formation of Mauritian Creole, seems to have been fully formed by the time of their migration.
In spite of English language being the national language, French is more popularly used and spoken along with day to day usage of Creole; also Indian dialects Bhojpury is used by many of the Indian origins at their homes (especially in the villages and by the older generation). Besides, fraction of population uses other dialect such as Tamil, Telugu, Gujraty, and Mandarins to communicate between them besides of course Creole.
DANCE and MUSIC Sega
		Mauritian Sega is blend of dance, rhythm, and entertaining hymns. Besides, being folkloric dance of this quiet Island, it is also a reminiscence of the enslaved Mauritian ancestors’ past hard life, echoing their simplicity, endurance, and positive attitude towards life; they use to find solace in this lively rhythm and dance, following the hardship and humiliation of the long day in their époque.
In those days, this dance was mainly performed around the fire. Today, Sega has become synonymous to Mauritian culture, and very popular among all the age brackets. Everyone enjoys it and the music can be heard all over the island, from the hotels, beaches, mall to the small shops around the corner and where not. Like everything else in the world, Sega also has been modernized leading the division of school to traditional Sega known as “ Sega Tipik” which is accompanied with typical instruments like “ Ravanne” , “the Maravanne” , “the Triangle” and supported by “Drum beats” shuffling of feet along with popular swaying of hips. While the modern Sega tune is played with modern instrument and contemporary features. There are many Segatier in the island, but the most famous tipik Segatier of time was Ti Frere, who died at the age of 92 leaving a legacy behind him.
Seggae
Today’s creative and energetic Youngsters, have experiment a new form of art by mixing local rhythms of music and Sega dance with reggae beats, giving birth to 'Seggae' which is adopted by various local bands and artists. Moreover, it is equally popular among the youngsters. Besides the Sega and Seggae, Bhojpuri music and lyrics too is very popular and the local bands and artist travel internationally to perform. On the other hand, different community has their own cultural art form. Which they perform on different occasions such as wedding ceremonies, religious festivals, cultural shows etc…

Cuisine
		The blend of rich diverse cultures and ethnicity has produced a pot pourri of taste and flavors in Mauritian Cuisine that has merged to develop into their culinary signatures. There are many dishes, which can trace its strong connection with their origin such as Indian and Chinese food, while the Creole specialties can trace back its origin to Malagasy, African and European cuisine.
		Nevertheless, all these dishes taste unique and the recipes are quite different from the original ( apart from some ingredients) Giving Mauritian food its unique identity, and making them more interesting to the palate as well as to hypothesize…Most interestingly, certain dishes has retain its name vernacularly while the composition has been adapted . Few such must to try dishes are: dholl puri, roti, boulettes, gateaux piment, samosas, halim, bouillon brede, chatini, , la daube, curry masala, salad de millionaire and many many more…


Festivals & Public Holidays
		The blend of cultures and Cosmopolitan existence in Mauritius, lend to various social and religious festivals, which are celebrated throughout the year; each festival has its obvious significant and celebrated with equal zest; but few of these festivals are celebrated with remarkable zeal and spirit of compassion marking the Islands’ will of tolerance and co-existence. Here we give you the detail insight into couple of such festivals, which carries mark of diversity and humanity and to mention the Cavadee, interesting and colorful festival that we believe is mark of absolute devotion. One such festival of this beautiful island is the most celebrated religious festival of the world “Christmas”. Of course as anywhere in the world, Christmas in Mauritius marks the birth anniversary of Holy Christ, but besides this, it marks the phenomenal concept of oneness amidst diversity; Christmas in Mauritius does no longer seems like a Christian festival, but a national festival which every ethnicity and religious groups celebrate with equal fervor and relish. All over the streets of the island, one can see X’mas tree sellers; Most of the household, irrespective of their religion or races, buys and decorate their trees. Almost every Mauritian families and friends exchange gifts.

		During the end of the year festivals, even the commercial scenario is distinct, with almost every shops and malls shutting their doors as late as 10.00p.m to almost midnight on the main day; In addition to the streets turning into shopper’s pavement. We suggest do not miss to visit The Quatre Bornes market area during these days; with its popular flea market at its peak along the neighboring Municipality premises decorated at its best, with bands and different gala celebration on the go, it reflects the true spirit and essence of Mauritius and its people.
MAHASHIVRATREE:
		“Maha shivratree” is popularly known as “Grand Bassin Festival” among general population. From the young to old devotees walks up and down to Shiva temples covering long distance as almost as 75kms to 90kms, from all over the Island without bothering about the cold drizzling raindrops or the alternatively hot weather. They walk to pay respect to their deity Lord Shiva, and to fetch holy water from the legendary sacred lake. They carry decorated wooden arches known as “kanwar” on their shoulders, in which they bring back the water. On this occasion, the pilgrims on their way to the Ganga Talao pilgrimage mainly clad in white clothes and with few among them covering in Saffron cloth or shawls... This festival is mainly celebrated between February and March depending on the Hindu lunar calendar. Irrespective of whatever religion, socio-economic background one belongs to, it is a sight to see. Besides, the religious values, one can witness the intense closeness, respect, and humanity among the pilgrims and the general Mauritian population. On every corner of the streets, one can find tents and stalls erected by the group of volunteers, corporate and village Samaritans for the pilgrims to rest and for them to have a quick bite on their lengthy way.

THAIPOOSAM CAVADEE
Cavadee is a Tamil festival deriving its name from “Cavadee”, the Tamil word for a wooden arch covered with flowers with pots of milk at each end of its base. The Tamil devotee carries Cavadee during the colorful holy procession towards the temple, where it is offered to the deity. During these processions, an astonishing demonstration of devotion can be witnessed through the different rituals, as to mark their penance, the devotees walks on fire, sword-climbing ceremonies; piercing of their bodies, tongue and cheeks with needles and skewers.

INDEPENDENCE DAY The Independence Day celebration, on 12th of March is another chance to inspect the facets of Mauritian culture. Each religious community comes up with cultural performance while the National Police force presents a remarkable parade. FESTIVAL DE LA KRIOL
		A spectacular event, an almost week long festival with different cultural shows and performances, interactive sessions and workshop of “kriol” theme, as backdrop taking place all over the island, turning the island into a kaleidoscope of culture and tradition. As this is an annual event with no fixed date and time as of now, kindly contact us for further details and clarifications…

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
		1st and 2 January: New Year 1st February: Abolition of slavery 12 March: National day (Independence Day) Labors Day: 1st May 15 August: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 2nd November: Arrival of indentured Laborers 25 December: Christmas Besides, above declared holiday on fixed dates; following festival days too are listed among public holidays; but the dates for the same are not fixed as those dates vary as per lunar calendar and visibility of the moon of respective religious/social groups: Chinese Spring festival, Eid Ul Fitr, Ganesh Chaturthy Diwalee Ugadhi