2026: January 1-2
New Year's Eve
Mauritius celebrates New Year's Eve with beach dinners, resort events and fireworks along the coast.
For visitors: Reserve beach dinners early and ask your hotel which fireworks spots are easiest to reach.
Festivals in Mauritius 2026
Experience the vibrant multicultural celebrations of our island paradise with current-year dates.
A Melting Pot of Cultures
Mauritius prides itself on being a multicultural society, where people of different religions, languages and cultures co-exist in one community.
The island's history brought together French, British, African, Indian and Chinese influences, each leaving traditions that still shape daily life.
This mix created a distinct Mauritian society with celebrations that are colourful, spiritual and deeply rooted in local family life.
Annual Celebrations
2026 public holiday dates are listed where available. Eid dates may still depend on official moon-sighting confirmation.
2026: February 17
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)
Chinese New Year brings lion dances, dragon dances, red lanterns and festive food around Port Louis and Chinatown.
For visitors: Go to Port Louis or Chinatown in the morning for colour, food stalls and lion-dance atmosphere.
2026: February 1
Abolition of Slavery
This public holiday remembers the abolition of slavery and an important turning point in Mauritius history.
For visitors: Pair the date with Le Morne Brabant to understand the island's maroon history and UNESCO story.
2026: February 1
Thaipusam Cavadee
A major Tamil festival marked by fasting, offerings, processions and powerful devotion around temples.
For visitors: Watch respectfully near Tamil temples, dress modestly and avoid blocking processions.
2026: February 15
Maha Shivaratree
Devotees walk to Grand Bassin carrying decorated kanwars to honour Lord Shiva at the sacred lake.
For visitors: Grand Bassin is powerful but busy; expect traffic and visit with quiet, respectful behaviour.
2026: March 4
Holi
Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil with bonfires, colour powder and joyful community gatherings.
For visitors: Join only when invited, protect cameras and wear clothes you do not mind staining.
2026: March 12
Independence Day
Mauritians mark independence with flags, public ceremonies and local gatherings across the island.
For visitors: Look for flags, local gatherings and official ceremonies, especially around towns and schools.
2026: March 19
Ugaadi
Ugaadi marks New Year for Deccan communities and is observed through family and temple traditions.
For visitors: This is more family and temple focused than a tourist spectacle, so observe quietly if invited.
2026: March 21*
Eid-ul-Fitr
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan with prayers, family gatherings and festive meals.
For visitors: Dates can shift with moon sighting; expect family gatherings, mosque activity and festive meals.
2026: September 16
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi honours Ganesha with prayers, temporary shrines and community processions.
For visitors: Look for temple and community processions, and ask before photographing worshippers.
2026: September 9
Pere Laval Pilgrimage
People of many faiths visit the shrine of Pere Laval in Sainte Croix, Port Louis.
For visitors: Sainte Croix is busiest around the vigil and feast day; go slowly and follow crowd guidance.
2026: November 8
Diwali
Diwali lights homes and neighbourhoods with lamps, sweets and the celebration of light over darkness.
For visitors: Walk neighbourhoods respectfully after dark, enjoy the lights and accept sweets only when offered.
Experience Mauritius Culture
Plan your visit during one of our vibrant festivals and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Mauritius.
Best Time to Visit Mauritius