Traditional Festivals

Mauritius is a melting pot of cultures and religions. Many festivals in Mauritius are a great way to get a taste of the island's "melting pot". There are numerous religious and other interesting festivals held throughout the year, but there are also some really cool cultural festivals that no tourist should miss. Thaipoosam Cavadee, Thimithi, Holi, Sakifo Music Festival, and Lantern Festival are just some of the names of the festivals in Mauritius.

Cavadee is one of Mauritius' most vibrant and important festivals, dedicated to Lord Murugam, a popular god among the Tamil people who make up a significant portion of the population. This festival is held in January or February. Another emblematic festival of the Tamil people, who make up a large portion of the Hindus in Mauritius, is the Thimithi (Walk on Fire). It takes place in either December or February. Holi, the Hindu festival of joy and color, is widely observed in Mauritius. The festival usually lasts two days and begins with an evening bonfire (holika). In this most colorful of all Mauritius festivals, more daring individuals may end up fighting with water balloons.