5 Cultural Highlights in Mauritius

The first attempt to colonize an isolated, uninhabited island was made by The Dutch in

1638. This island later came to be known as Mauritius, named after the prince of

Denmark, Maurice of Nassau. The people of Mauritius descended from Europe (mostly

France), Africa, China, and India. This cultural diversity and geographical isolation have

imparted Mauritius with a deep-rooted sense of pride and unity. There is no official

language as such, but English is used in legal affairs, although French and Creole are

more widely understood. All of these factors have led Mauritius to be considered the

Global Example of Cultural Integration by the rest of the world. With such diversity,

there are a lot of cultural activities happening in Mauritius all year round. Read below to

know all about the 5 most magnifique cultural attractions of Mauritius Tour.

Sega Dancing

If there’s one thing that has enchanted the tourists more than the color, scenery and

wildlife of Mauritius, it’s their traditional dance. Commonly known as Sega and believed

to be an amalgamation of various dance forms, it is an erotic dance form which involves

two people circling each other in a form of mock courtship as a singer sings about love in

Creole. This dance is an utter tease because those star-crossed lovers are not allowed to

touch each other. People have theorized that it catered a sense of relief, entertainment and

a lift to the fatigued spirit.

La Traviata

La Traviata is an annual Mauritian Opera festival which is an international event. This

event has seen a gaining number of followers by the year. This event entails symphony

concerts and conferences on opera, a fashion show, a masquerade ball and other similar

activities that vary year to year and show perfectly the cultural fusion of Mauritius.

Mauritian Food

Mauritian cuisine is the perfect display of the melting pot that Mauritius is. It is a blend

of Indian, Chinese, French and African food. Seafood is the staple of the island’s national

cuisine and the Indian rougaille (tomato paste) is widely accepted and loved with fish.

Mauritian National day

There have been myths declaring that Mauritius was discovered first by the Arabs, but

there have been many contrary facts. What we know as a matter of fact is that it was first

colonized by the Dutch (1638-1710), then the French (1710-1810) and then the British

(1810-1968). The Mauritians celebrate their independence day on the 12th of March and it

is a sight to behold. Parades and festivities which are held in the capital city of Port Louis

are attended by young and old alike, leaving the gathering awestruck.

Revered Sites

For an island which is popular for its beauty, there is never a shortage of breathtaking

scenery. Mauritius offers abundant of iconic beaches, historic sites and forests and top-

notch services for one to visit them all. The most sacred space in Mauritius is the crated

river Ganga, or Grand Bassin, as it is popularly known. All the Hindu festivities happen

around the Grand Bassin, and it is majestic. Other popular sites include the Chateau de

Labourdonnais which was built in the 19th Century and has been most beautifully

restored. Chamarel is also a very attractive tourist spot since one gets to see the seven

colored Earth and the magnificent Chamarel waterfalls.

There is, obviously, a lot more to know and see about the fusion that Mauritius is, but the

above-mentioned activities and places cannot be missed.