| f the most unique aspects of a holiday in Mauritius is | | | | evening cumulates in a fire-walking ceremony, which |
| seeing first hand the melting pot of cultures and | | | | is certainly a spectacular sight to behold on your |
| traditions that the island has adopted from its people. | | | | Mauritius holiday. |
| Throughout history, people of many different races | | | | Divali |
| and religions have all chosen to settle on the shores | | | | Even the Mauritius hotels will go all out and celebrate |
| of this paradise isle, bringing with them their own | | | | Divali. It is customary for houses and hotels to light a |
| folklore and religion. As you can imagine this | | | | small candle in honour of Lord Rama’s victory |
| accumulates in some fantastic festivals. Here are the | | | | over the devil and decorate the entrances to their |
| five best that Mauritius has to offer: | | | | buildings with strands of marigolds. Diwali is also |
| Maha Shivaratree | | | | celebrated as the festival of light and on your |
| If you are arranging a Mauritius holiday for the month | | | | holidays in Mauritius you are certain to see masses of |
| of February then you may be lucky enough to | | | | fireworks on the night that Divali falls. It is also |
| stumble upon Maha Shivaratree. This Hindu festival is | | | | customary to throw firecrackers and many young |
| also known as ‘The Great Night of | | | | locals take delight in throwing these in the direction of |
| Shiva” and every year the festival is | | | | unsuspecting tourists. |
| celebrated with a pilgrimage to Grand Bassin. The lake | | | | Chinese New Year |
| here is considered to be sacred and many locals | | | | Although most of the festivals mentioned so far |
| believe that it has the ability to communicate with | | | | have been Indian in tradition, many other religions are |
| the holy river of the Ganges. On the Great Night | | | | omnipresent on the island and, as you will discover on |
| pilgrims dressed entirely in white make their way to | | | | your Mauritius holiday, they have their own unique |
| the river with bamboo contraptions on their shoulders | | | | way of celebrating the ancient customs and traditions |
| as a sign of sacrifice. | | | | of their culture. The Sino-Mauritians, or Mauritians of |
| Cavadee | | | | Chinese descent, celebrate Spring Festival or Chinese |
| Visitors on their holidays in Mauritius might not like the | | | | New Year during the months of January and |
| idea of participating in Cavadee, but the sight alone is | | | | February and the island displays are known to be |
| quite an experience. The festival is predominantly | | | | elaborate. Wax cakes are shared among friends and |
| celebrated by Tamil Indians who must first fast for | | | | relatives, whilst firecrackers are lit to chase evil spirits |
| ten days. Once the fasting period is over, the | | | | off the island. If you want to experience this festival |
| participants have their cheeks, tongues and chests | | | | whilst on your Mauritius holidays then make your way |
| pierced with needles before going to their temple | | | | to Port Louis, which is known for having the best lion |
| with their offerings attached to their backs. The | | | | dancers. |