Not surprisingly, Mauritians, whose origins come from three continents, holding a large number of festivals that reflect the diversity of cultures. Most events are linked to religion.

Chinese Festivals, Hindu Festivals, Christian Festivals, Muslim Festivals and The Chinese Feast Sega: The Spring Festival for the Chinese New Year. Is celebrated each year to a different date (January / February). Its celebration is always accompanied with long bursts of firecrackers. Red, the symbol of happiness, is the color that dominates. On this day parents and children to give away the Foong pao (red envelopes containing money) as well as cakes and other traditional sweets such as rice cake. The Dragon Festival or Feast of Lanterns closing festivities of Chinese New Year, two weeks after the Spring Festival. Costume parades, dragon dances enliven the streets of Port Louis and Plaines and Wilhems cities. The Mid-Autumn Festival, better known as the Moon Festival, takes place in September. It commemorates the victory of the Chinese on the Mongol invaders. Given away moon-shaped cakes as both family friends. Traditionally, these cakes hiding a flier with the date of victory. The Hindu festivals are always spectacular and lead to public celebrations. The Feast of Cavadee, held in January / February is a holiday Tamil. It is characterized by the trance of devotees whose bodies are pierced by needles, tongue and cheeks full of sharp objects. These devotees walk in wearing the Cavadee penance, this wooden arch covered with flowers, which is founded on a pot of milk is placed in the temple at the foot of the deity. Despite the long road passed under a hot sun, milk should not cut. The March on the fire, practiced by the Tamils, occurs mainly in December or January. After ten days of purification obtained by abstinence, meditation and prayers, the penitents go to the temple and walk slowly over a coal fire, and then bathe the feet in milk to soothe the burns. Shivratree Maha is one of the most notable island holidays. It is celebrated for five days in February and concludes with the great night of Shiva.

After having watched the whole night, devotees dressed in pure white carry the Kanwar, wooden arches covered with flowers and mirrors, and go in procession to Grand Bassin to collect the holy water of the lake. The scene recalls the majestic rituals celebrated on the banks of the Ganges. Divali is the most fun and festive celebrations of all Hindus. This holiday in October or November, marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana symbolizing the victory of good over evil. By nightfall, both humble and luxurious houses sparkle with thousands of lights. Doors and windows are left completely open to let in the good fortune at home. Holi is a festival of wealth, which equals to the many legends that inspired it. This is the feast of joy, during which men and women are sprayed with colored water and powders. During this event the usual rules become meaningless (as in the carnival). It is the time for celebrations and exchanges of happiness.

Muslim holidays are often limited to collective prayers in the mosque and family meals. The Eid-al-Fitr holiday, is undoubtedly the most celebrated festival for Muslim believers. They celebrate with joy the end of the fasting month of Ramadan with prayers, exchange of gifts, vows, visits to family and charity to the poor. Yaum-Um El-Nabi (peace be upon him) commemorates the birth of Prophet Mohamed. On this occasion, the faithful gather at the mosque to hear the story of his life. Id-El-Adha is obeyed to highlight the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham. Then slaughtered animals (sheep, goats or cows) and three equal parts of meat are distributed among the poor, relatives and the family. The Ghoon, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, a descendant of the Prophet, is held by a small minority Shia and some Sunni. The procession enlivens the streets of the Plaine Verte, a suburb east of Port Louis that hosts a large Muslim community. The heart of Mauritius beats to the rhythm of the Sega. This music, these songs, this dance, from African music during the era of slavery, and themselves Mauritius characterize the joy of living on the island. The shuffling, movement of hips and Creole lyrics are part and parcel of the music. Today, many types coexist in Mauritius sega. The typical sega (in which the only instruments are ravanne the maravanne and triangle) is unconditional supporters.

The current sega noted for its contemporary influences with the introduction of modern instruments. There are many local representatives on all Saturday afternoon. Often, this moment of celebration takes place on the beach before a large fire. Groups sega dancers with a perfect style, give performances in most hotels.

Bon Voyage!