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Previously occupied
by Dutch, French
and English,
and having become home
to African slaves and
other immigrant populations,
Mauritius is now independently
ruled and thrives on
its past and present
fusion of different cultures.
The
island boasts an abundance
of beautiful beaches
for lazy days in the
sun, luxury hotels
for stress free pampering
and relaxation, crystal
clear waters for watersports
and underwater discovery
and inland mountains,
forests, rivers and
waterfalls, for adventurous
exploration. But it
is the unique melting
pot of cultures that
make Mauritius special.
Creole,
Hindu, Muslims, Chinese
and Europeans all live
together on the island,
retaining their own
individual customs
yet also influencing
each other. From the
Hindu temple of Triolet
to the Dutch ruins
of Vieux Grand Port
; from the French village
of Mahébourg
to the old Creole residence
of Eureka ; all the
diverse societies have
influenced modern day
Mauritius.
Festivals
from all ethnicities
are celebrated throughout
the year. Muslim Id-El-Fitr,
Chinese New Year, Tamil
Cavadi or the Festival
of Lights, Divali,
all add to the diverse
yet unified Mauritian
culture and all faiths
come together to celebrate
the Mauritian festival
of Father Laval. Sega,
a dance based on African
dance but unique to
Mauritius is an essential
ingredient of the unified
Mauritian culture and
can be frequently seen
being performed, capturing
the ‘joie
de vivre' of the island.
Cuisine
provides a great indicator
of the diversity of
the island. From high
class hotels to small
local eateries, the
combination of influences
is clearly evident.
Whether you want Creole,
Indian, French or Chinese
the choice is mouthwatering.
Whether
you are visiting friends
and family, wanting
a bit of luxury or
are getting married,
the natural beauty
of Mauritius , its
history and the surrounding
ocean all make the
island an idyllic destination.
Add to this the diversity
of its people, cultures
and cuisine and Mauritius
becomes an island that
you will not want to
leave!
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