Festivals and Public Holidays in Mauritius: A Year-Round Calendar
Mauritius celebrates the festivals of every community on the island, and many are public holidays that everyone enjoys. A festival can make your trip unforgettable, but it can also change traffic, prices and opening hours, so it helps to know the calendar.
The festival calendar
| Season | Festival | Community |
|---|---|---|
| January or February | Chinese Spring Festival | Sino-Mauritian |
| January or February | Thaipoosam Cavadee | Tamil Hindu |
| 1 February | Abolition of Slavery | National |
| February or March | Maha Shivaratri | Hindu |
| March | Holi | Hindu |
| 12 March | National Day | National |
| March or April | Ugadi | Telugu Hindu |
| Varies | Eid al-Fitr | Muslim |
| 9 September | Pere Laval pilgrimage | Christian |
| October or November | Divali | Hindu |
| 25 December | Christmas | Christian and national |
Many dates follow the lunar calendar and change each year, so check the exact dates for your travel year.
Learn more about each festival
- Divali, the festival of lights
- Maha Shivaratri
- Thaipoosam Cavadee
- Chinese Spring Festival
- Holi
- Ugadi
- Eid al-Fitr
- Pere Laval pilgrimage
Travelling during a festival
- Roads near temples and mosques can be busy, so allow extra time.
- Shops and some attractions may close on public holidays.
- Hotels and flights are more expensive at Christmas and New Year.
- Observe quietly and ask before taking photos of worshippers.
Why Mauritius has so many festivals
Mauritius is home to people of Indian, African, Chinese and European descent, and each community brings its own religious and cultural celebrations. The government recognises festivals from several faiths as public holidays, so Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Chinese Mauritians all share time off for each other’s festivals. Many visitors are surprised by how open and welcoming these celebrations are.
How festivals affect your trip
- Traffic: roads near Grand Bassin are busy before Maha Shivaratri, and processions may close streets during Cavadee.
- Opening hours: some shops, banks and offices close on public holidays, but hotels, restaurants and tourist sites usually stay open.
- Prices and availability: Christmas, New Year and Easter are high season for hotels; book early.
Festivals worth planning for
- Maha Shivaratri: pilgrims dressed in white walk to Grand Bassin.
- Divali: homes and streets lit with oil lamps.
- Thaipoosam Cavadee: colourful Tamil processions.
- Chinese Spring Festival: lion dances and fireworks in Port Louis.
- Horse racing at Champ de Mars: a lively Saturday tradition in season.
Book it with Plan Mauritius
These experiences can be booked through us, with transfers added if you need them:
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays are there?
Mauritius has around fifteen public holidays a year, covering the major religious and national festivals.
Is it a good idea to travel during a festival?
Yes, if you like culture and do not mind crowds. Plan ahead for transport and bookings.
Which festival is best for visitors?
Divali has a joyful atmosphere with lights and sweets, while Maha Shivaratri is a spectacular pilgrimage.
Are tourist attractions open on public holidays?
Most are, but some museums and government sites close. We check opening times for your dates.
Which months are busiest for hotels?
Christmas and New Year, Easter, and the European summer holidays in July and August.
Want this planned around your dates?
Tell us when you are travelling and who is coming. We will build a day-by-day plan with hotels, transfers and activities, and send you a clear price.
Plan my tripTalk to our team
