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Mauritius Festival Calendar: What's On, Month by Month
Mauritius celebrates Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist and Chinese festivals in a single calendar — one of the few places on Earth where that's normal. Timing a visit around Thaipoosam Cavadee, Holi or Diwali transforms a beach trip into something else entirely.
January–February: Thaipoosam Cavadee & Chinese New Year
Cavadee is the most intense spectacle in Mauritius — Tamil devotees carry decorated cavadees to kovils island-wide. Chinatown in Port Louis hosts lion dances and night markets for Chinese New Year.
February–March: Maha Shivaratri & Holi
Hundreds of thousands walk to the sacred lake of Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) for Shivaratri — join the walk respectfully. Holi follows with public color celebrations in the plaine Wilhems towns.
July–September: Père Laval & winter festivals
The September 9 pilgrimage to Père Laval's shrine in Sainte-Croix draws all communities. Kite season peaks at Le Morne; regatta season runs in Mahébourg Bay.
Sunil's Hidden TrailsLe Pouce · Vallée de Ferney→October–November: Divali
The festival of lights is island-wide: houses outlined in lamps, sweets shared with neighbors and strangers. Triolet and Goodlands have the most spectacular streets.
Good to know
- When is Divali in Mauritius?
- Divali falls in October or November (lunar calendar). In Mauritius it's a public holiday, and towns like Triolet and Goodlands are spectacularly lit for several evenings.
- Can tourists attend Thaipoosam Cavadee?
- Yes — it's public and communities welcome respectful visitors. Dress modestly, ask before photographing devotees, and don't cross procession routes.
Places in this guide: Sunil's Hidden Trails