Mauritius Culture, Arts & Society News
A melting pot of African, Indian, Chinese and European influences, Mauritius has a vibrant cultural life. Explore coverage of Sega music and dance, Creole heritage, Diwali, Eid and Chinese New Year celebrations, arts festivals, prominent personalities, and the social issues shaping Mauritian society.
10 Culture stories · Updated continuously · MauritiusNews.com
US Independence Day Celebrated at Balaclava Ruins
The United States Embassy in Mauritius marked a landmark milestone this week, celebrating 250 years of American independence at one of the i…
From 'Nenenn' to Geneva: Rajeshree's Fight
Behind every international stage stands a personal story — and for Rajeshree, that story begins with a single word: *nenenn*. A Creole term …
Darwin à Maurice : le journal qu'il n'a pas écrit
En 1836, le HMS Beagle faisait escale à Maurice. Charles Darwin, alors âgé de 27 ans, foula le sol mauricien pendant quelques jours seulemen…
Ayesha Vydelingum: Storytelling at Her Fingertips
In a literary landscape often dominated by Western narratives, Mauritian writer Ayesha Vydelingum is carving out a distinct and powerful spa…
Mauritius Mourns Moorthy Nagalingum, the Visionary Behind the Iconic 'Salon de Mai'
Mauritius is mourning the loss of Moorthy Nagalingum, the celebrated figure widely credited as the driving force behind the 'Salon de Mai,' …
Festival de Cannes : Canal+ coupe les ponts avec les 600 signataires de la tribune anti-Bolloré
La guerre ouverte entre Canal+ et une partie du monde du cinéma français a franchi un nouveau cap. En marge du 78e Festival de Cannes, Maxim…
Roshni Laullooa: The Mauritian Woman Making Her Mark in Ottawa
In a world where borders are increasingly fluid and ambition knows no geography, Roshni Laullooa stands as a compelling example of what Maur…
Mauritius Times ePaper Edition: Friday, 10 April 2026
The Mauritius Times, one of the island's longest-standing and most respected independent publications, has released its Friday, 10 April 202…
Are We Heading Toward a Dead End? A Mauritian Doctor Reflects on Humanity's Inevitable Fate
What does it mean to be human in 2025? It is a question that Dr Rajagopal Soondron, writing in the Mauritius Times, tackles with rare intell…
Visages de Maurice: Pascal Lagesse Opens the Doors to His Intimate Artistic World
There are artists who simply make art, and then there are those who *are* their art. Pascal Lagesse belongs firmly to the second category. I…
Frequently Asked Questions
What languages are spoken in Mauritius?−
Mauritius is multilingual. English is the official language of parliament and business; French is widely used in media and education; Mauritian Creole (Kreol Morisyen) is the mother tongue of most Mauritians; and Bhojpuri, Mandarin, Tamil, and Telugu are spoken in various communities.
What is Sega music?−
Sega is the traditional music and dance of Mauritius, originating from African and Malagasy slaves. It features the ravane drum, maravanne shaker, and triangle, with rhythmic dancing and call-and-response singing. UNESCO recognised Mauritian Sega as intangible cultural heritage in 2014.
What are the main festivals celebrated in Mauritius?−
Mauritius celebrates a rich mix of cultural festivals: Diwali (Hindu festival of lights), Eid ul-Fitr (Muslim celebration), Chinese New Year, Christmas, and Maha Shivaratri — one of the largest Hindu pilgrimages outside India, drawing 400,000+ devotees to Grand Bassin each year.
What is the ethnic makeup of Mauritius?−
The Mauritian population is one of the world's most ethnically diverse. Indo-Mauritians (of Indian descent) make up about 68%, Creoles (of African/Malagasy descent) about 27%, Sino-Mauritians about 3%, and Franco-Mauritians about 2%. This diversity shapes the island's food, religion, and cultural life.