Grand Bay : its charm, its shops, its nightlife
The flagship city of the North The north of the island is the most popular tourist destination, with some of the most magnificent beaches in the world, including Mont Choisy, […]
Seeking Lord Murugan’s blessings. It is in the middle of January that the descendants of the immigrants from South India accomplish the most spectacular acts of faith. During the ceremony of purification from evil, the believers carry the “cavadee” on their shoulders, a lavishly decorated wooden structure. The principal characteristics of this colourful festival are seen through scenes of religious acts such as walking on fire or on swords, or even when believers pierce their bodies with needles on which are hanging objects like lemons.
Festival celebrating the abolition of slavery, or a return to the roots. Every year, on the 1st of February, the abolition of slavery in Mauritius is celebrated at the foot of Le Morne Mountain, considered as a refuge for escaped slaves and a site which has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This festival brings together concerts and shows which depict life at the time of slavery and escaped slaves, giving the population an opportunity to reflect on the life and the history of slaves and to honour them.
Every year in March, thousands of pilgrims take part in a spectacular pilgrimage in honour of Lord Shiva during the Maha Shivaratree festival. A procession of devotees, carrying their « kaawar » made of bamboo sticks and decorated with multi-coloured paper, march in the direction of Grand Bassin, a lake considered sacred by the Hindus. Known as “Ganga Talao” by the Hindu population, this ancient volcanic crater which later became a lake, also shelters a giant statue of Shiva, which adds to the mysticism of the place.
Driving away the demons and welcoming the New Year. In February, during the Chinese New Year festivals also known as the Spring Festival, many areas in the capital come to life: the dragon and the lion dance on the streets whilst very loud firecrackers explode in order to drive away the evil spirits. During that period, or in April during the China Town Food Festival, there are many activities waiting to be discovered: streets shows, traditional dances, martial arts demo, or sampling of Chinese dishes, especially in the heart of China Town.
In October or November, the island is lit up on the occasion of Diwali, a festival considered by the Hindus as a victory of good over evil. This beautiful festival is characterised by the decoration of the houses with lights and traditional lamps, as well as the making and distribution of sweet delicacies, especially the famous and unique « gâteau patate».
The pilgrimage in honour of Father Laval. Jacques Désiré Laval, missionary and doctor from Normandy, arrived in Mauritius in 1864 and worked here until his death, healing the physical and spiritual wounds of the poorer sections of society. Considered as the Divine One by the Catholic Church, he is considered as “the Priest of the Blacks”, and on every 8th and 9th September, thousands of pilgrims gather around his grave in the town of Sainte Croix to pay tribute to him.
The flagship city of the North The north of the island is the most popular tourist destination, with some of the most magnificent beaches in the world, including Mont Choisy, […]
Along the north-eastern sandy coast The coastal road from Mont-Choisy to Poste Lafayette enables one to discover the many small villages of the North and the East of the island. […]
Leaving the North to go towards the capital, three magical places are nestled in the villages of Mapou, Beau-Plan and Pamplemousses, which are the direct testimony of the […]