The culture of Mauritius and nation has become known as the most diverse cultural mix in the Indian Ocean. While there are countless arguments in favour of Mauritius, it is its cultural diversity that is driving more and more people to relocate here. The island is multi-ethnic, allowing a mix of exotic cultures and traditions to flourish.
Mauritius has had quite a chequered history: slavery, immigration, misfortune, colonialism, independence – to name but a few of the factors that have shaped the culture we know today.
Here are 10 things that are wonderful about Mauritius:
A very expressive culture
The culture of Mauritius can express itself in many forms. The culture of Mauritius is very expressive in many ways, from music, dance, tradition, gastronomy, religion, local crafts, language and literature.
Colourful gastronomy
Perhaps the country’s gastronomy is the best example of how ethnically and culturally diverse Mauritius is. Mauritian cuisine is just like Mauritian society. It is the perfect blend of all religions and cultures – which is why it is so rich in culinary experiences, with influences from India, China, Africa and France. You only have to visit a local market and discover the many ingredients and spices to see for yourself.
The symbolic Sega
Mauritius is one of the few countries that expresses its culture through music – and it’s the well-known Sega. Sega performances open a real window into the culture and history of Mauritius. Dancing was originally invented by slaves, who could not have found a better way to express the pain, suffering and loss of their homeland and loved ones. Over time, however, Sega’s style has been refined and has taken on a much more upbeat and enjoyable form. The Sega dance, in which the dancers appear in floral costumes, is related to this.
Sega starts with a soft melody that gradually becomes more up-tempo.
It’s good to know that Sega as an art form is inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Other popular music genres include Reggae and Seggae which is a mixture of Reggae and Sega.
Harmonious life
With such a diverse population, there is no official religion in Mauritius. Hindus, Muslims and Christians live in an incredibly peaceful coexistence. Exciting festivals are a regular occurrence, celebrating the different cultures and religions that co-exist on the island. This harmonious coexistence is something that Mauritius takes pride in.
Churches and sacred places
To get a deeper insight into the culture of Mauritius, one must immerse oneself in the eclectic culture and visit sacred sites such as the Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin), the most popular and essential pilgrimage site for Hindus, where the statue of the greatest Hindu deity, Shiva, is also displayed.
The oldest Tamil temples are one of the attractions in the area that you would be remiss to miss. The intricate architectural designs, shapes and vibrant colours only add to the temples’ ambience.
The island of Mauritius is therefore rich in architectural attractions. There is certainly no shortage of mosques, temples, mandirs and pagodas that cannot fail to be adored for their unique architecture and theological significance.
Unique literature
Mauritian literature has been dominated by the French for decades. Creole literature only began to appear in the 1970s, and the industrial revolution had quite an impact over time.
The most popular writers are Malcolm de Chazal, Ananda Devi, Raymond Chasle, Jean Marie Le Clézio – just to highlight a few names. The central themes of Mauritian literature revolve around exoticism, multi-ethnicity and miscegenation, racial and social conflict.
Exciting horse races
Horse racing has been deeply embedded in the culture of Mauritius since 1812. It was around this time that the Champ de Mars racecourse, the oldest racecourse in the southern hemisphere, opened in Port Louis.
The racing season (from the end of March to the beginning of December) is a time in the lives of the islanders that is much looked forward to every year.
The most popular race of the season is the Maiden Cup, which takes place on a Sunday in early September.
Taste of LOCAL rum, wine and beer
Because of its volcanic origins, the island is said to be incredibly fertile. Rum, for example, is a favourite with many, but perhaps few people know that without Mauritius’ main crop, sugar cane, it would not exist today. For example, at the L’Aventure du Sucre Museum Factory, you can not only learn about the production process, but also taste the different types of sugar and rum.
In fact, no one leaves Mauritius without having tasted at least once the famous Phoenix beer, sipped cold, or the special Litchi wine.
Amazing hospitality
Mauritius is known to be a happy and good-humoured nation, and what could be more evident than the extreme hospitality of its people, who are extremely welcoming, passionate and enthusiastic in their guiding you into their culture, unafraid to show off their values and immensely proud of them. They usually introduce you to the local gastronomy, music, dance and traditions, and are very happy to invite you into their homes.
Appreciated weekends
Although weekends are important to everyone, they are especially important to the people of Mauritius. These two days are usually dedicated to family and friends. A trip to the beach together, meaningful excursions, camping, picnics, mountain climbing, water sports – the list is endless. Whichever outdoor beach you go to, you’re sure to find some great family get-togethers. With plenty of goodies on hand, and of course, the famous Phoenix beer!
And what life in Mauritius must be like? Vibrant, colourful and diverse, just like the culture, yet somehow exuding harmony and peace. Mauritius promises us not only a wonderful culture and way of life, but also a place that offers a wealth of opportunities and development!
