Events in Mauritius in 2026

Events in Mauritius in 2026: A Journey Through Cultures

Mauritius, a true cultural melting pot, invites you to celebrate with it throughout the year.

Here is a calendar of major events that will punctuate your stay:

Religious and cultural events

Chinese New Year (February 17, 2026)

A joyous and colorful celebration marks the beginning of the Chinese lunar year, the Year of the Fire Horse. Expect dragon and lion parades, firecrackers, and festivities in the island's Chinatowns, particularly in Port Louis. The Chinese-Mauritian community organizes martial arts demonstrations, traditional music concerts, and stalls offering typical Chinese cuisine.

Thaipoosam Cavadee (February 1, 2026)

A spectacular Tamil festival where devotees honor the god Muruga after ten days of prayer and fasting. The faithful carry flower-adorned wooden structures called kavadi, and some perform impressive penitential rituals. The processions make their way to local Tamil temples in an atmosphere of intense spirituality.

Maha Shivaratri (February 15, 2026)

Holi (3-4 mars 2026)

The Hindu festival of colors, where participants joyfully throw colored powders at each other, celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. A festive and convivial atmosphere is guaranteed in the streets of Port Louis, Quatre Bornes, and Phoenix. The night before, ritual bonfires (Holika Dahan) are lit. The festivities begin early in the morning and continue until early afternoon.

Ougadi (March 19, 2026)

Celebrated by the Telugu community, Ugadi marks the beginning of the new year and symbolically represents the day of the creation of the world. Houses are cleaned and decorated with garlands of mango leaves and rangoli. Traditional dishes are prepared and religious ceremonies are held in temples.

Eid-ul-Fitr (March 21, 2026)

Celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, this festive day brings Mauritian Muslims together at the mosque, dressed in new clothes. Afterwards, they gather with their families, exchange gifts, and enjoy the traditional biryani, which is also shared with friends, neighbors, and those less fortunate. The exact date is subject to confirmation as it depends on the visibility of the moon.

Ganesh Chaturthi (September 16, 2026)

This Hindu festival celebrates the birth of Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, deity of wisdom and protector who removes obstacles. After days of fasting, Marathi devotees parade through the streets with giant, richly decorated statues of Ganesh to immerse them in a river, lake, or the sea, accompanied by prayers and devotional songs.

Diwali (November 8, 2026)

The Hindu festival of lights, celebrated with thousands of oil lamps (diyas) and fireworks illuminating the entire island, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is a time for sharing and togetherness, where Mauritians from all communities participate in the festivities. Houses, gardens, and streets are adorned with luminous decorations, creating a magical atmosphere.

Festivals and concerts

Kreol International Festival (December 2026 – dates to be confirmed)

This major event showcases the cultural diversity of Mauritius through music, dance, gastronomy, and the arts. The festival celebrates Mauritian Creole identity with sega concerts (traditional music inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list), slam and poetry sessions, theatre, exhibitions of traditional crafts (vacoa basketry, wood carvings), and, of course, a focus on local cuisine with its specialties: rougaille, cari, and sweet potato cake. The festivities take place in several towns: Port Louis, Mahébourg, and sometimes Rodrigues.

Porlwi by Light (dates to be confirmed)

During this contemporary festival, the capital city of Port Louis is transformed into a veritable open-air urban theatre where artists of all disciplines perform to offer a unique spectacle. The concept was developed to celebrate the historic city of Port Louis through light installations, artistic performances, and immersive experiences blending visual arts and music.

Mauritius International Jazz Festival (June/July 2026 – dates to be confirmed)

A major musical event attracting renowned international and local artists. This prestigious festival offers a diverse program ranging from classic to contemporary jazz in an exceptional setting.

Music Festival (June 21, 2026)

Celebrated annually on June 21st, this global event takes on a local flavor in Mauritius with performances across the island. Professional and amateur artists perform in the streets, parks, and various cultural venues, offering an eclectic program accessible to all.

Music Festival (June 21, 2026)

Celebrated annually on June 21st, this global event takes on a local flavor in Mauritius with performances across the island. Professional and amateur artists perform in the streets, parks, and various cultural venues, offering an eclectic program accessible to all.

Father Laval Pilgrimage (September 8 and 9, 2026)

Although not an official public holiday, this pilgrimage is the most important religious event in Mauritius. Every year, on the night of September 8-9, tens of thousands of Mauritians of all faiths converge on the shrine of Blessed Father Jacques-Désiré Laval in Sainte-Croix, near Port Louis.

Father Laval, a French missionary who arrived in Mauritius in 1841, dedicated 23 years of his life to freed slaves and the poorest members of society. Beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1979, he is known as "the Apostle of Mauritius" and "the Apostle of the Blacks." The pilgrimage commemorates the anniversary of his death on September 9, 1864.

The pilgrimage actually takes place throughout September, but reaches its peak on the night of the 8th to the 9th. Processions depart from various points on the island, notably from the Port Louis Cathedral, to reach the shrine. Open-air masses are celebrated every two hours on September 9th, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., including a televised mass at 8 p.m. on September 8th. Pilgrims come to pray before the tomb where Father Laval's body rests, asking for his intercession for healings and graces.

This gathering transcends religious and ethnic divides, perfectly illustrating Mauritian intercommunal harmony. Social services are present on site to support the most vulnerable. The event emphasizes spirituality, simplicity, and cleanliness, respecting the spirit of prayer that characterizes this pilgrimage in the Christian tradition.

Concerts and shows (throughout the year)

Throughout the year, a variety of concerts and shows are held at different venues across the island: the Caudan Waterfront, the SVICC (Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre), the Trianon Convention Centre, and various hotels and establishments. Check ticketing platforms like Otayo.com regularly to stay up-to-date on upcoming events.

Other events

National holiday (March 12, 2026)

Mauritius celebrates its independence, gained in 1968, and its attainment of republic status in 1992 with military parades, concerts, and fireworks. A large official ceremony is held in Port Louis at the Champ de Mars. It is a day of national pride where all Mauritians celebrate their shared heritage.

Commemoration of the abolition of slavery (February 1, 2026)

A solemn day commemorating the official abolition of slavery in Mauritius in 1835. Ceremonies are held throughout the island, notably at Le Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as a refuge for runaway slaves. Concerts and cultural events pay tribute to the victims of slavery and celebrate freedom.

Arrival of hired workers (November 2, 2026)

This day commemorates the arrival of Indian indentured laborers in Mauritius starting in 1834. It is an important event that recognizes the contribution of these workers to the building of modern Mauritian society. Official and cultural ceremonies are held at Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Port Louis.

Chinatown Festival (April 2026 – dates to be confirmed)

For two days in April, Port Louis' Chinatown becomes pedestrianized and comes alive with the rhythm of drums, Asian music, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional dragon and lion dance performances. Stalls offer Chinese culinary specialties on every corner: zongi (rice balls), wontons, ah kien, and other delicacies.

Bread Festival (May 2026 – dates to be confirmed)

In May, Mauritius, and more specifically the Caudan Waterfront, hosts the Bread Festival. This event showcases the craft of baking, bread artisans, and pastry chefs. Exhibitions, tastings, and competitions featuring traditional Mauritian breads contribute to the success of this delicious celebration.

Dragonboat Festival (dates to be confirmed)

At the Caudan Waterfront, teams of more than 25 people compete on the water aboard traditional dragon-shaped boats. This spectacular race pays homage to the famous Chinese poet Qu Yuan. The colorful boats, adorned with dragon heads, sail to the rhythm of drums in a festive atmosphere.

Sporting events

Dodo Trail (July 4th and 11th, 2026)

The Dodo Trail returns for its 14th edition and has established itself as the unmissable trail running event in the Indian Ocean. Organized by the IBL group, this competition, a member of the UTMB World Series, attracts nearly 3,000 runners from Mauritius, Reunion Island, mainland France, Madagascar, South Africa and beyond.

Saturday, July 4th marks the start with the Morne Dash, a 3.3 km time trial with 500 meters of elevation gain on the steep slopes of Le Morne Brabant (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This event, inspired by the Alpine vertical kilometer, offers a spectacular introduction to the competition.

Saturday, July 11th brings together the main races: the Xtreme 50km (3,500 meters of elevation gain, course crossing 10 private properties and 7 iconic peaks), the Squad 50km (relay version in teams of four runners), the Trooper 25km (1,500 meters of technical elevation gain in the Black River Gorges National Park), the Venture 10km (ascent of the Tamarin Tower with exceptional panoramic views), and the Rookie 5km (accessible to beginners through the Mauritian savannah).

Registration is open on roag.org until June 1, 2026. The event takes place during the Mauritian southern winter, offering ideal climatic conditions for performance: cooler temperatures and dry air.

Mauritius Marathon (dates to be confirmed)

Mauritius hosts several running races throughout the year, including the international marathon which attracts runners from all over the world. These events generally take place in stunning settings, along the coast or through the island's lush landscapes. The festive atmosphere transforms each competition into a true community celebration with local food stalls, Mauritian music concerts, and entertainment.

Surf competitions (May to September 2026)

The Mauritian surfing season is in full swing between May and September. Local and international competitions are held at renowned spots like Tamarin Bay and One Eye near Le Morne, attracting both professional and amateur surfers. The Mauritius Surfing Association events offer an impressive spectacle in optimal swell conditions.

Horse racing (throughout the year)

The Champ de Mars in Port Louis, the oldest racecourse in the Southern Hemisphere still in operation (founded in 1812), hosts horse races throughout the year, generally on Saturdays and Sundays. It is a very popular social event for Mauritians of all backgrounds, where all walks of life mingle in a friendly atmosphere. The racecourse becomes a meeting place where authentic cultural traditions are observed: family bets, picnics on the grass, and passionate discussions about horses.

Big game fishing competitions (dates to be confirmed)

Sport fishing enthusiasts flock to the big game fishing competitions held off the coast of Mauritius. Participants attempt to catch marlin, tuna, and other large fish in the fish-rich waters of the Indian Ocean, renowned worldwide for this type of sport.

Useful tips and information

The exact dates of some religious or cultural events may vary depending on the lunar calendar. It is advisable to check the precise dates closer to the event on the official Mauritian tourism websites or with your accommodation provider.

For sporting events, festivals, and concerts, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially if the event is popular. Otayo.com is the leading event ticketing platform in Mauritius and offers a wide selection of events with secure online booking.

During public holidays and major religious celebrations, many shops and services may be closed. Plan accordingly and check the opening hours of the places you wish to visit.

Most public celebrations are open to everyone and offer a unique opportunity to experience the authentic Mauritian culture. Respect local traditions, dress modestly for religious events, and always ask permission before photographing participants at ceremonies.

Mauritius offers exceptional cultural richness throughout the year. Each month brings its share of festivities, making this destination a unique experience where tradition and modernity, spirituality and conviviality coexist harmoniously.

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