Mauritian Culture

The Mauritian Culture and Nation is known to be the most diversified cultural mix of the Indian Ocean. It is one of the many reasons why Mauritius is such a popular destination for relocation! The island is multi-ethnic, and brings together a number of exotic cultures and traditions. Its culture is rich and intense – known as a Cultural Kaleidoscope.

Mauritius’s long history of slavery, indenture, suffering, colonisation and eventually its independence are some of the many factors which shaped the Mauritian Culture known today.

So now you want to know what makes the Mauritian Culture so beautiful and unique?

Here are 10 things that shape the Mauritian Culture:

1. The Mauritian Culture is Expressive

The Mauritian culture is expressed through music, dance, tradition, cuisine, religion, local crafts, language and literature

2. Blends of Gastronomy

The country’s gastronomy is the perfect example of how ethnically and culturally diverse the island is. Mauritian cuisine is just like Mauritian society. It has the perfect blend of all religions and cultures.

Visiting a local market and discovering the many different ingredients and spices demonstrates this perfectly.

3. The Emblematic SEGA

Mauritius is one of the few countries to express their culture through music, the emblematic Sega. A Sega performance is a window into Mauritian culture and its history, invented by the slaves to express pain, suffering and loss of their loved ones and motherland. Over time, the Sega evolved into a more upbeat, bright and joyous music. This is accompanied by the Sega dance in which the dancers are adorned in floral attire.

The intensity of the Sega and its culture are felt by the beat of the Ravanne, Maravanne and the Triyang. Famous Ségatiers (Sega singers) are Serge Lebrasse, Ti Frere, Michel Legris, Cassiya, etc.

Note that the Mauritian Sega is a registered art form by UNESCO on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list! Other popular music genres include Reggae and Seggae (a combination of Reggae and Seggae), made famous by Kaya.

4. Life in Harmony is an Important Part of the Mauritian Culture

With such a diverse population, there is no official religion in Mauritius. Diversity is celebrated through a variety of cultural and religious festivals throughout the island. Harmonious living is something Mauritius prides itself on.

5. Temples & Sacred Spaces

To be fully immersed in Mauritian culture, you need to dive into its eclectic culture and visit holy sites such as Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin). This is a sacred lake with the biggest status of the Hindu deity, Shiva, being the most popular and crucial pilgrimage site for the Hindus.

The oldest Tamil temples are a must see! The intricate architectures and vibrant colours add to its ambience.

The island of Mauritius is full of mosques, temples, churches and pagodas that demand to be adored for their architecture and divinity.

6. The Mauritian Culture is Shaped by its Unique Literature

For decades, Mauritian literature has been monopolised by French. Creole literature only started to emerge in the 70s and, over time, has been largely influenced by the industrial revolution.

Some popular literature writers include Malcolm de Chazal, Ananda Devi, Raymond Chasle, Jean Marie Le Clézio, to name a few. The major themes found in Mauritian literature vary around exoticism, multiracialism and miscegenation, racial and social conflicts

7. Equestrian Frenzied

Horse racing has been deeply embedded in the Mauritian culture since 1812, with the opening of the Champ de Mars Racecourse in Port Louis, making it the oldest racecourse in the southern hemisphere.

The racing season (end of March to beginning of December) is highly awaited by enthusiasts every year.

The most popular race of the season is the Maiden Cup which happens on a Sunday in early September.

8. A Taste of LOCAL

The island is considered to be incredibly fertile due to its volcanic origin. Sugarcane, Mauritius’s historical main crop, allowed the discovery of Rum, a widely appreciated spirit. You can discover its production and taste different kinds of Rum at L’Aventure du Sucre Museum Factory.

Moreover, no one leaves Mauritius without a taste of our famous beer ‘Phoenix’, meant to be sipped chilled.

9. Proudly Hospitable

Mauritians are a cheerful and happy nation, and are known to be extremely hospitable. They are all about sharing Mauritian culture and values, a practice in which locals take pride. Most often, this is done by sharing local cuisine, music, dance, traditions and by inviting you into their homes.

10. Treasured Weekends

Weekends are valued in Mauritian culture. Indeed, those two days are treasured by all and dedicated to family and friends. A getaway to the beach, road trips, camping, picnics, hiking, water sports – you name it, the list goes on. You will always encounter large family gatherings on all public beaches in Mauritius, coupled with lots of food and, of course, the famous ‘Phoenix’ beer!

A life in Mauritius, just like its culture, is bright, colourful and exciting yet offers a life of harmony and peace. Mauritius not only offers a beautiful culture and way of life, it is also an island of opportunity and growth!

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