While the island of Mauritius is small, with a population of just about one million, the variety of the cultures is vast.  The different neighborhoods, festivals, religions, and ethnic backgrounds of the people who now make up the Mauritian population make this one of the most interesting and exciting destinations for those on summer, or winter for that matter, holiday in Mauritius.  Luxury hotel and resort accommodations are plentiful, as well as the restaurants, the museums, the water sports and the wildlife adventures in the mountains, for every aspect of this island is the very definition of diversity and rich cultural and natural history.

Walking down any of the city streets one may find an Indian restaurant which sits next to a Muslim mosque which sits next to a French cafe.  Each of these cultures retain their own rituals and ceremonies making this one of the most fascinating places during festival times.  And in keeping with tolerance and the appreciation for those of different backgrounds, the Mauritians will always welcome travelers wishing to join in on the fun and the celebrations.

Should one be on the island in the beginning of the calendar year, during January and February they will have the opportunity to partake in the Chinese Spring Festival.   Red, which is the color that symbolizes happiness, fills the streets, and there are feasts, and firecrackers and dancing.  In February the Hindu population celebrates as well, with the Maha Shivaratree festival.  During this time, the Hindus on the island will wear all white clothing and walk throughout the island during the three days of the ceremonies.

The Muslim population celebrates the end of Ramadan with the Id El Fitr Festival.   This is a time of feasts and the giving of gifts.   There are many more festivals that take place throughout the year.  Many find that the Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter are memorable when celebrated on the island, as with these holidays as well as all of the festivals, each and every cultures takes part in the celebration of the others.