Mauritius Society and Culture

Mauritius society and culture is an amalgamation of different ethnic groups who arrived in Mauritius as slaves, laborers, settlers and immigrants over the centuries. Mauritius has been described as a nation of 'harmonious separatism'. The culture of Mauritius is a blend of 'English knowledge', 'French culture', and 'Creole egalitarianism'.

Mauritius people comprise of 68% Indo-Mauritians, 27% Creoles, 3% Sino-Mauritian and 2% Franco-Mauritian. Religion wise the Mauritian populace consists of 48% Hindus, 23.6% Roman Catholics, 16.6% Muslims, 8.6% other Christians and 3.2% of other categories. Among these various categories, the Hindus are predominantly agricultural workers. Muslims and Creoles are usually artisans. African Creoles are primarily fishermen, service holders, transportation workers and dockworkers. The Franco-Mauritians are mainly engaged in sugar and manufacturing industries. The Chinese are usually traders and restaurant owners.

Mauritius society and culture is best understood putting an insight into the music and dance, art and entertainment, fashion, festivals and cuisine of Mauritius. Mauritius music and dance is characterized by the sega dance that has its roots in Africa. The Ravane, Coco and the Triangle are the important musical instruments used to play sega music.

The art and entertainment of Mauritius is under the Ministry of Arts and Culture. Drama is an important performing art in Mauritius. Serge Constantin Theater and Pointe Canon Open air Theater are bodies involved in promoting drama.

All tourists to Mauritius are delighted by the varied and interesting cuisine, fashion and handicrafts of the place. The cuisine comprising Mediterranean delicacies, Asian recipes and Continental items are a Epicureans delight. Quatre Bornes Fashion technology, Vega D-Mile fashion, Flacq District fashion all contribute towards fashion industry of Mauritius.

Mauritius festivals feature festivals of all religions. Among the Hindu festivals Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi and Mahashivaratri are observed with fun and gaiety. Christmas and New Year are celebrated with music and dance. The Chinese New Year is celebrated with pomp and grandeur. The Muslim festival of Eid-Ul-Fitr is observed with reverence and cheerfulness.