Mauritius is a small island with a population of around 1.2 million and although it is a tiny country it's got a bunch of different cultures, religions and amazing festivals. Some of the best Mauritius festivals throughout the year are as follows:
Cavadee Festival
This religious festival at the end of January/ beginning of February is celebrated mostly by Indians of Tamil origin and is one of the most impressive festivals in Mauritius. The devotees are after a period of fasting, and many have their cheeks, tongues and chests pierced with needles before going to the temple with their offerings on their backs. The devotees who are considered to be in a trance, walk bare feet to the temple, while carrying on their back the Cavadee (an arc of wood, metal or plastic) symbolizing the sacred mountains. As part of the ceremony there is also a fire-walking and sword-climbing rituals which are quite spectacular.
Holi Festival
The Holi festival, in March, is an Indian festival of colors. The Hindu population in Mauritius, celebrates the festival by splashing everyone who crosses their way with colored water and powder, and with singing and dancing. It's a beautiful celebration that cry's out for you to join in with the festivities!
Festivals of Light
Divali (also known as the festival of lights) is celebrated by all Indo-Mauritians and also by people of other communities as some point between October and November. Originally an Indian festival celebrating the victory of Lord Rama over the devil as depicted in the epic poem, Ramayana. Many Mauritians who decorate their homes with small oil lamps or electric bulbs have adopted this festival also known as the festival of light. Cakes are cooked and shared among neighbours and parents on that day.
If you are looking to coincide your holiday with one of these festivals then you're also going to need somewhere to stay… and unfortunately, unlike japan, urban camping is out of the question ;) So instead a great place to stay is the Coin De Mire Attitude or through the www.borneos.id site, which is a beautiful hotel, located on the northern tip of the island, overlooking the Coin De Mire, a large and beautiful rock face in the ocean. And for any of you divers out there, if you fancy a little splash around in the crystal clear waters there is a PADI diving centre moments away from the resort!