Mauritius has two main climates: summer and winter. From November to April, the summer months bring the island to life with colourful cultural and religious festivals. These celebrations reflect the island’s multicultural identity, bringing together traditions of Indian, African, Chinese and European origin. Each festival blends devotion, community spirit, and colourful rituals, offering both locals and visitors a unique insight into Mauritian life.
Cavadee (January – February)
Cavadee, or Thaipoosam Cavadee, is among the most striking religious festivals in Mauritius, observed by the Tamil community in honour of Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war and victory. In the ten days leading up to the festival, devotees follow strict fasting and purification rituals, beginning with a flag-hoisting ceremony known as kodi etram.
On the day itself, participants dressed in vibrant shades of pink and orange walk in solemn processions carrying cavadees, ornate arches made of wood or bamboo and decorated with flowers, coconuts, and peacock feathers. Many also carry pots of milk as offerings to the temple. Ritual piercings and acts of devotion are part of the ceremony, while the air is filled with incense, drumming, and chanting. For onlookers, Cavadee is a powerful experience that combines intensity with deep spirituality.
Chinese New Year (January-February)
Falling between late January and February, depending on the lunar calendar, Chinese New Year is one of the most colourful events of the Mauritian summer. The Sino-Mauritian community celebrates with enthusiasm, but the festivities extend across the island, especially in Port Louis’ Chinatown.
Lion and dragon dances parade through the streets, accompanied by the crackle of firecrackers intended to ward off evil spirits and welcome good fortune. Homes and shops are decorated with red lanterns and banners, as red is a symbol of prosperity and happiness. Families gather to share traditional dishes, including dumplings and nian gao (sticky rice cake), which is offered as a token of luck and togetherness. The celebrations bring the community together while highlighting Mauritius’ cultural diversity.
Maha Shivaratri ( February-March)
Maha Shivaratri, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the largest Hindu pilgrimage in Mauritius. During this festival, hundreds of thousands of devotees dressed in white walk across the island to the sacred lake of Ganga Talao. Many travel barefoot, carrying elaborately decorated kanwars—wooden structures adorned with flowers, mirrors, and images of deities.
The atmosphere is both festive and solemn, as the roads fill with pilgrims chanting prayers and singing hymns. At Ganga Talao, offerings of water, fruit, and incense are made in devotion to Lord Shiva. For Mauritians, Maha Shivaratri is not only an expression of faith but also a demonstration of unity and endurance, making it one of the most significant summer gatherings.
A Season of Celebration
Summer in Mauritius is more than warm weather and tropical landscapes; it is a season marked by faith, tradition, and joy. From the vibrant processions of Cavadee, to the colourful dances of Chinese New Year, and the immense pilgrimage of Maha Shivaratri, each festival tells a story of the island’s cultural mosaic. For locals and visitors alike, experiencing these events is an unforgettable way to connect with the spirit of Mauritius.
