Cultures in Mauritius

An island of three
continents

Mauritius is definitely the answer to it all! In addition to its picture-postcard landscapes and remarkably hospitable people, the Mauritian way of life is deeply influenced by a unique ethnic and cultural mix originating from three continents: Asia (mainly India and China), Africa and Europe.

This vibrant multiculturalism enriches not only the country’s gastronomy, but also its music, its art and its festivities. Mauritians live in harmony, sharing and honouring the traditional festivals of each community. Each celebration, whether Hindu, Chinese, Muslim or Christian, is a moment of conviviality and sharing, strengthening social ties and national cohesion.

The essence of Mauritianism

Hospitality and warm welcomes are at the heart of the Mauritian identity. Being Mauritian means living in a diverse community. It’s about laughing together. It’s about forging strong ties. It’s about reaching out to those in need. It’s about sharing generously. It’s about unconditional love. Above all, it’s about making the most of every moment.

The people of Mauritius are particularly proud of their island and take great pleasure in helping visitors discover the richness of the local cuisine, the heavenly beaches and the cultural traditions, to name a few. There is always room at a Mauritian table to share the richness of its culture and immerse oneself in a world where authenticity and conviviality are at the heart of every encounter.

A true melting pot of languages

Rest assured that you’ll be understood in Mauritius! Being multilingual, the country boasts an impressive linguistic diversity. While Creole is the most widely spoken language on the island, it has a French lexical base, influenced by African, Asian and European languages.

Widely spoken and understood in Mauritius, French is favoured in most media and other official communications. English remains the official language of Mauritius and is mainly used in administration, the legal system and higher education. Oriental languages are also taught to children, such as Bhojpuri, Hindi, Tamil, Urdu, Marathi, Telugu and Mandarin. Pretty impressive, right?

A myriad of unique flavours

Doll puri, briyani, minn bwi, pwason frir… If you have not heard of these dishes yet, just wait until you taste them because once you have tasted Mauritian food, there is no going back! A vibrant reflection of the island’s cultural diversity, its cuisine is the result of a harmonious fusion of Indian, African, Chinese, and European culinary traditions, making it both unique and delicious. Catering to all budgets, these exceptional dishes, combining land and sea, will delight the taste buds of even the most discerning gourmets!