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.
97 Culture stories · Updated continuously · MauritiusNews.com
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.