The 30th anniversary of the Caudan Waterfront

Before delving into the program, let's briefly recall what this place represents for the Mauritian capital. Inaugurated on November 24, 1996, on the former docks of Port Louis, the Caudan Waterfront was the island's first modern mixed-use complex, combining shops, restaurants, cultural spaces, and a waterfront promenade. Designed by Mauritian architect Maurice Giraud, it has evolved over the decades into a true district of the capital, notably housing the Blue Penny Museum (opened in 2001) and the Caudan Arts Centre (opened in 2018), a performance venue with international standards.

For a detailed presentation of the site, its shops, its museums, and everything you can do there on a daily basis, please refer to our full article dedicated to Caudan Waterfront in Port LouisThe rest of this article focuses on the exceptional programming of the thirty years.

The management of Caudan has structured this anniversary year around four major ambitions, which run through the entire program:

• The memory of the place : revisiting the history of Caudan through exhibitions, testimonies and a documentary.
• Artistic creation : to offer a showcase to Mauritian and international artists through installations, murals and performances.
• Shared experiences : to increase the number of popular gatherings where Mauritians and visitors meet and mingle.
• The commitment of the new generations : to involve young creators, students and the public in the cultural life of the waterfront.

These four themes are present to varying degrees in each of the major events of the year.

The management of Caudan has structured this anniversary year around four major ambitions, which run through the entire program:

• The memory of the place : revisiting the history of Caudan through exhibitions, testimonies and a documentary.
• Artistic creation : to offer a showcase to Mauritian and international artists through installations, murals and performances.
• Shared experiences : to increase the number of popular gatherings where Mauritians and visitors meet and mingle.
• The commitment of the new generations : to involve young creators, students and the public in the cultural life of the waterfront.

These four themes are present to varying degrees in each of the major events of the year.

Note: The Caudan management has published the general program in broad monthly windows. Some specific dates are still to be confirmed throughout the year, and we will update this article as they are announced. For the latest details, follow the official pages of the Caudan Waterfront and the Caudan Arts Centre.

The kick-off took place as early as March 2026, with two significant highlights.

Ritmik, a percussion concert

The first signature event of the anniversary year, Ritmik The atmosphere was set right from the start of the festivities: a percussion concert celebrating the rhythms of the Indian Ocean and the musical diversity of Mauritius. A festive appetizer for the year ahead.

The first Caudan Food Festival

THE Caudan Food Festival has become a highly anticipated event for lovers of Mauritian cuisine. The first edition in 2026 followed the launch of the festivities, transforming the waterfront into a large open-air market where food trucks, restaurants, and culinary artisans showcased their wares. A second edition is scheduled for October (see below).

The installation of the monumental letters "Caudan 30"

Visible year-round in the Place du Caudan, the monumental installation of the letters "Caudan 30" has become a new photo hotspot in the capital. Visitors pose there at all hours of the day, and the scene is particularly photogenic in the evening when the letters are illuminated.

A collaborative mural

Created in collaboration with a guest artist, this collective mural allows each visitor to add their personal touch to a shared artwork. A tangible way to inscribe the public's memory within the walls of the Caudan.

The months of May and June are dedicated to creativity and cultural diversity, with two complementary events.

Caudan in Bloom

This artistic celebration draws inspiration from the floral world and transforms the waterfront into a temporary garden. Plant arrangements, colorful installations, and artistic performances fill the site's public spaces. An event particularly suited to families and photography enthusiasts.

Nouzil Festival

Undoubtedly one of the most emblematic events of the anniversary year. The Creole word "Nouzil" means "our islands": this festival celebrates the cultures of Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agalega and ChagosMusic, dance, gastronomy, and crafts from the four territories can be discovered on site. For foreign visitors, it's a rare opportunity to appreciate the cultural diversity of the Republic of Mauritius beyond just the main island.

Many travellers are unaware that the Republic of Mauritius is not limited to the main island. Rodrigues, 600 kilometers to the east, is a small volcanic island of 18,000 inhabitants with a strong cultural identity, with its Rodriguan Creole, its basketry crafts and its very distinct cuisine. AgalegaTwo atolls located more than 1,000 kilometers to the north are home to a community of a few hundred inhabitants who live primarily from copra production. As for theChagos ArchipelagoLocated even further north, its history remains deeply rooted in Mauritian memory: its inhabitants were deported between 1968 and 1973 under tragic circumstances, and the Chagos question remains a sensitive issue. The Nouzil Festival offers all these communities a common stage.

In the heart of the southern winter, a period very popular with European visitors, the Caudan puts its own story forward.

The “30 Years, 30 Stories” exhibition

This exhibition retraces three decades of the Caudan Waterfront through thirty stories: portraits of shopkeepers, visitors, and artists; anecdotes; archival photographs; and memorabilia. A journey into the collective memory of a place that has been part of Port Louis' transformation.

A documentary film

In addition to the exhibition, a documentary dedicated to the evolution of the waterfront and its place in the capital is being screened on site. For those passionate about urban planning, heritage, or simply contemporary Mauritian history, this is an event not to be missed.

In September, a new visual campaign will be unveiled to mark the venue's 30th anniversary and recall the many experiences shared at Caudan over the decades. While details are still unknown, we can expect a striking visual display, deployed in the public spaces of the waterfront and beyond.

October is shaping up to be particularly eventful, with three major events taking place in succession.

The second edition of the Caudan Food Festival

The success of the first edition in April called for a sequel. This second edition takes place during the peak tourist season and promises to be one of the year's culinary highlights. Previous editions were held on the last weekend of October. The exact date of the 2026 edition is yet to be confirmed by Caudan, but it will likely be within the same timeframe.

The arrival of the World ARC Rally — late September / early October

A unique event in the program was the arrival of the World ARC Rally is expected at Caudan in the window of the September 28 to October 1, 2026According to the official itinerary published by the World Cruising Club, this major transoceanic regatta makes a stop in Mauritius as part of its round-the-world voyage, following the Cocos Keeling-Mauritius crossing (2,350 nautical miles). The participating sailboats moor in the port, and their crews, from all over the world, bring the docks to life for a few days before the next short leg to Réunion. A free nautical spectacle, open to all.

Dikte dan Caudan — around October 28

It's one of the most original traditions of Caudan. The first edition of this public dictation in Mauritian Creole had taken place in November 2015. For its thirtieth anniversary, the event is being held again as part of the International Creole Language and Culture Daywhich falls every year on October 28th — a Wednesday in 2026. The exact date of the 2026 dictation is yet to be confirmed by the organizers, but it traditionally takes place close to this international day. The principle is simple: a text is dictated live, and participants and spectators alike play along with the Creole spelling, a language whose standardized orthography is relatively recent. For visitors, it's a unique cultural experience, somewhere between a performance, a celebration of the language, and a nod to Mauritian identity.

The celebrations will culminate in November with two highlights.

An art installation by Ze Kolektif

As part of the Creative Lab, the Mauritian artists' collective Ze Kolektif will unveil a major art installation. The Creative Lab aims to offer local artists a space for experimentation and visibility, and this piece will punctuate the anniversary year with a strong artistic signature.

The Caudan Festival, the highlight of the year

THE Caudan Festival This is the grand festive event that concludes the anniversary year. Artists, performances, entertainment: the program will bring together the best of Mauritian creative talent in one final event. For visitors to Mauritius in November, it's an opportunity not to be missed.

Regardless of the programming for the 30th anniversary, the Caudan Arts Centre maintains its usual program of shows, concerts and plays. Inaugurated in 2018, this 431-seat venue offers world-class acoustics and hosts local and international productions throughout the year.

Some recent and upcoming events at the Caudan Arts Centre:

• May 30, 2026 Tribute to Miles Davis, by Philippe Thomas. A tribute to the legendary American trumpeter in an intimate format.
• June 5-7, 2026 : performances of Hamlet, Shakespeare's classic adapted for the Mauritian stage.

Tickets are available on the Caudan Arts Centre online platform as well as at major ticket outlets on the island. For a broader overview of upcoming shows on the island, see our article. concerts in Mauritius, as well as our events calendar 2026.

If your trip to Mauritius is already booked, here's a quick overview of what's on at the Caudan Waterfront during your stay. A visit is a must in any case, but some months are particularly packed with events.

• In April or October : the two editions of the Caudan Food Festival, ideal for tasting the diversity of Mauritian cuisine in a single outing.
• In May and June Caudan en Fleur and the Nouzil Festival, a rare opportunity to discover the cultures of Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agalega and the Chagos Islands brought together on the same stage.
• In July and August The exhibition "30 Years, 30 Stories" and its documentary are perfect for those who enjoy understanding the urban and cultural history of Port Louis. It's also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds.
• In September : the new visual campaign for the thirtieth anniversary, and a generally calmer period, conducive to a peaceful visit to the site.
• In October : an exceptionally busy month with the second Caudan Food Festival, the arrival of the World ARC Rally at the port, and the Dikte dan Caudan as part of the International Creole Language and Culture Day.
• In November : the grand final Caudan Festival and the installation of Ze Kolektif, the highlight of the anniversary year.

Aside from these major events, the Caudan Waterfront is a pleasant place to visit all year round. Allow at least half a day to explore it, and much more if your visit coincides with one of the highlights mentioned above.

The Caudan Waterfront is located in the heart of Port Louis, right on the seafront, easily recognizable by its architecture blending volcanic stone and colorful corrugated iron roofs. Several options are available to visitors:

• By car A large paid car park is accessible from the M1 motorway, by taking the "Port-Louis Centre" exit. Arriving by car remains the most practical option for those staying on the west or north coast.
• By Metro Express The "Port-Louis Victoria" station is a few minutes' walk from the Caudan. The tram also serves Curepipe and Plaines Wilhems, making it a convenient option for visitors staying in the center of the island.
• By taxi or Uber Easy access from almost all beachfront hotels. Drivers all know the Caudan; simply state it as "Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis".

Once there, the site is best explored on foot. Plan for a comfortable walk: between the shops, museums, restaurants, the Caudan Arts Centre, the Craft Market and the seaside promenade, there's plenty to fill half a day, not counting the time spent at the special events in the thirty-year program.

For those wishing to extend their visit to the capital, the Caudan is located a short distance from other places of interest: theAapravasi Ghat listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the National Museum of Natural History and the Citadel (Fort Adelaide) which overlooks the city.

When are the Caudan Waterfront's 30th anniversary celebrations taking place?

The program runs throughout 2026, from March to November. Each month brings its own events, with particularly strong highlights in May-June (Caudan en Fleur, Nouzil Festival), July-August (exhibition "30 Years, 30 Stories"), October (Food Festival, Dikte dan Caudan, World ARC Rally) and November (Caudan Festival final).

Do you need to buy tickets to participate in the festivities?

The majority of events in the 30th anniversary program (installations, murals, exhibitions, food festivals) are free and open to the public. Only performances programmed at the Caudan Arts Centre require tickets, which are available from major Mauritian online ticketing platforms.

What is the best time of year to visit the Caudan?

The Caudan Waterfront is open all year round, but 2026 is exceptional due to the 30th anniversary program. If you had to choose a single period based on events, May-June and October are particularly rich.

What is the Nouzil Festival?

The Nouzil Festival is a cultural celebration that honors the cultures of Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agalega, and the Chagos Islands. The Creole word "Nouzil" means "our islands." The event brings together music, dance, gastronomy, and crafts from the four territories of the Republic of Mauritius. Program in May-June 2026.

What is "Dikte dan Caudan"?

This is a public dictation in Mauritian Creole, the first edition of which took place in November 2015. The event will be held again in October 2026 as part of International Creole Language and Culture Day. Tourists and locals participate or attend in a festive atmosphere, celebrating the mother tongue of the majority of Mauritians.

Is there a car park at the Caudan Waterfront?

Yes, the Caudan has a large paid car park with reasonable rates. Access is from the centre of Port Louis. During major events, it can get very crowded: it is recommended to arrive early or take the Metro Express.

Is the Caudan Arts Centre open all year round?

Yes, the Caudan Arts Centre offers a continuous program of shows, concerts and exhibitions, independently of the special 30th anniversary program. Performances generally take place in the evening, with some matinees on weekends.

Can a visit to Caudan be combined with other sites in Port-Louis?

Absolutely, and it's even recommended. The Caudan is just a few minutes' walk from the historic center of Port Louis. A full day could include the Caudan in the morning, the Central Market and Chinatown at midday, and then a visit to the Citadel (Fort Adelaide) or the Aapravasi Ghat in the afternoon.