Explore these Cultural Festivals With Your Car Rental in Mauritius

With just over 1.2 million people inhabiting the island of Mauritius, it is amazing to see a vibrant culture with all the religions and festivities.

If you are flying to Mauritius anytime soon, do plan a visit around any one of these festivities to experience the true cultural diversity first hand.

Hiring a car rental in Mauritius can work to your advantage if you are looking to explore communal events out here.

Because of the cultural diversity, the Mauritian calendar accommodates various holidays and festivities.

One can easily find cultural significances from Christianity, Hinduism, Muslims, and Buddhism.

Because every celebration is so unique in itself, something interesting is always happening around the corner.

Just buckle up in your car rental in Mauritius and head out to experience these festivals first hand.

The Chinese Spring Festival

This festival is based on the Chinese Lunar Calendar and the date can vary between January or February depending on the year.

Although the number of Chinese people residing out here isn’t that large. But still, this festival plays an important role in Mauritius. 

Firecrackers fill the sky and you can indulge in a sea of sensational food. Don’t forget to see the Lion Dance.

These dramatic soirees can be found easily if you are driving around in a car rental Mauritius.

All the towns are painted red as the color is auspicious and symbolizes luck and happiness. Drive out to Chinatown in Port Louis to witness some extraordinary celebrations.

Streets are covered with lanterns with delightful processions. Meanwhile, the air is filled with the aroma of Chinese street food.

Head Out to Fete du Poisson with Your Car Rental in Mauritius

Celebrate this native Rodriguan family festival set up in a 240-kilometer lagoon. Fishing is the main source of income for families here making their lives sustainable.

This festival celebrates the Seine net fishing from October to February.

With roots going back to 1822, the fishermen use a semi-circular net and catch the fish in a way that causes less damage to the corals.

Their special boats called pirogues make sure that the net isn’t dragged through the lagoon.

You can join in the fisherman to get up-close with this communal tradition or sit back to observe as a spectator.

Have a day out with the ladies cooking at the Fete du Poisson. It can be quite exhilarating to witness a fishing festival out at Rodrigues Island.

The Mauritian Maha Shivratri Festival

This is the biggest Hindu pilgrimage site outside of India. It is amazing to see Shiva devotees take on this sacred walk.

Tens and thousands of devotees walk to the Ganga Talao, a sacred lake at the Grand Basin to celebrate the night of Lord Shiva.

There is a beautiful temple alongside the lake. Enjoy this religious feast with a car rental in Mauritius. The festivities last a few days and are home to over 400000 devotees from all around the world.

Offerings of sacred Bael leaves and fruits are made to the shrine. 

The pilgrims walk up to three days to make this journey.  And so they are well looked after on the way. Food stalls, refreshments, and volunteers with offerings are available all along the way.

The superstar of the event is the elaborately decorated Kanwar. These chariots are made of bamboo, wood, and plastic sometimes.

One can see fierce competition for the biggest Kanwar out there.

Thaipoosam Cavadee

Originating from an outlaw called Idumban, Thaipoosam Cavadee is celebrated to honor the Lord Murunga. It is celebrated by south Indian Mauritians with ardent dedication.

Don’t miss out on this crazy festival if you are visiting in January-February. Devotees carry a cavadee ‘a log of wood’ with body piercings and offerings.

Preparations start 10 days in advance. This festival is a deep insight into the cultural roots of the South Indians here.

There is so much culture to witness out here. These aren’t the only festivals that make Mauritius what it is.

The Mauritians also celebrate Diwali and Christmas with fervent zeal and enthusiasm.

With a car rental in Mauritius, you can make sure never to miss a moment that comes with some festivity.

Just hop on your car and drive through Bodoland, experiencing the colors of culture and tradition.

Make sure you plan ahead and talk to your host about the best places for celebrating these amazing festivals. 

Have something interesting to share? Start a conversation in the comments section below.

Contact us to rent a car in Mauritius island.