Culture and history

Mauritius is a rare example of a harmonious cultural fusion of Africa, Europe and Asia.

After the Dutch "zero stage," the island passed through the French and British eras, gaining independence in 1968 and the status of a republic in 1992.

The linguistic picture includes English (official business), widespread French and Creole (lingua franca).

The majority of the population professes Hinduism, next to Islam and Christian faiths; the calendar is saturated with Diwali, Maha Shivaratri, Eid al-Fitr, Christmas and Chinese New Year.

Two UNESCO sites - Aapravasi Ghat (the history of hired immigrants from India) and Le Mourne (memory of maraunas) - set the key reference points of national memory.

Sega music with its dance rhythm has become a cultural business card of the island, and the cuisine mixes Creole, Indian, Chinese and French traditions (dholl puri, rougaille, gateau piment).

The dodo symbol recalls the vulnerability of island nature, and the long-standing leisure culture - from Champ de Mars races to modern festivals - emphasizes Mauritius's openness to guests and new entertainment formats.