Culture of Mauritius
NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Tourists who come to Mauritius in search of spacious beaches and blue lagoons are waiting for another amazing discovery: the extraordinary ethnic and cultural diversity of its inhabitants, who have come here for centuries from all continents and countries of the world, Europe, Asia, Madagascar. They brought with them their customs, languages, religions, which they try to observe, as evidenced by the numerous religious holidays celebrated throughout the year. Despite this, they are all merged together, forming a single Mauritian state, interconnected by one Creole language, rich literature, and even the national dance – Sega. So, if you are completely desperate to meet people on the planet who live without any racial or religious prejudice, in peace and harmony – go to the island of Mauritius!
HOLIDAYS
Mid-January – KAVADI, performed by Hindus from south India
January / February – Spring Festival, Chinese
February / March – MAHA SHIVAHATRI, Hindus
September 9 – Father Laval, Christians
October / November – DIWALI, Hindus of south and north India
October / November – Ganga Asnan, Indians of North India
November 2 – Commemoration of the dead, Christians. Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan and Moharram according to the Islamic calendar. Moharram is celebrated in memory of the torment of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, in the Iraqi city of Karbala. This is a day of prayers and remembrance, but the customs gradually turned it into a real folk festival. The main attraction of this festival is the gong “ghoon”, a huge tower made of bamboo, completely covered with colorful paper ribbons and adorned with winged horses. In the evening, this ensemble lights up with multi-colored bulbs. “Goons” are installed on a huge stretcher and stroll through the streets of Port Louis. On the way, the sinners, languishing in the “gunas”, flog each other, torture each other with cruel tortures, piercing each other with saber blows. Looking at this spectacle, you involuntarily feel the feeling
Mauritius: Mauritian Cuisine
According to Computerminus, Mauritian cuisine is an expression of ethnic diversity and a stay in Mauritius will also be a journey into the world of culinary traditions for you! The features of the tropical climate of Mauritius forced the first European immigrants who appeared here to adapt their culinary traditions to local products. Gradually, immigrants from Africa and India began to arrive, great specialists in spices. And finally, the Chinese have added their touch to the local culinary traditions. As a rule, traditional rice, vegetables or citrus fruits prepared according to a special recipe in vinegar with spices are served as a side dish for all dishes. A traditional Mauritian dish, refined and very refreshing, palm kale or palm heart salad accompanies smoked fish. Well, since you are on the ocean, Mauritian cuisine is replete with fish dishes – crab soup, oyster casserole, octopus and a wide variety of seasonings for fish. In the markets and tables in restaurants, there are mountains of fresh exotic tropical fruits – papaya, watermelons, pineapples, bananas, citrus fruits. In summer, from November to May, you can enjoy Chinese cherries – lychees, taste mangoes, dates… Coffee here has the finest vanilla flavor and is prepared in the Creole style.
Mauritius: Money and currency of Mauritius
Money, CURRENCY EXCHANGE Mauritian rupee (MUR or Rs), equal to 100 sous. In circulation there are paper notes of 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 rupees, coins of 1, 5 and 10 rupees, as well as 5, 10, 20 and 50 sous. Small change coins are increasingly falling into disuse due to inflation, but in the interior they are still in use.Banking hours are from 09:15 to 15:00-15:30 on weekdays, and from 09:15 to 11:15 on Saturdays. Foreign currency exchange is not limited, the exchange can be made at any bank or at hotel exchange offices (commissions are higher). The exchange of rupees for foreign currency is made only at the airport when leaving the country. Credit cards and travelers checks are accepted in almost all hotels, shops and travel agencies. ATMs are also installed almost everywhere.
