The marvel of Mauritius lies in its beaches of spectacular beauty, blue skies, palm trees and clear, inviting lagoons. But it is also an amazing melting-pot of cultures and traditions we now invite you to discover.

The Mauritian population comprises many different civilisations: Hindus, Muslims, Whites, Chinese and Creole, a community made of people claiming mixed African, European and Indian ancestry. Each of them has their unique ceremonies and religious feast days. The Hindu ceremonies are the most spectacular - walking on burning coals - and take place from October to March. The traditional music is the Sega and Sega evenings are organised every week in most of the big hotels. Local food, like the island itself , is very diversified and delicious.

Creole has emerged to become the main language of communication though French is also widely used. English, the official language and medium of instruction, is being increasingly used in business and electronic communication. A majority of Mauritians are conversant in several languages.

At crossroads between:

Europe? Yes! In crusty French bread rolls, Roman Catholic cathedrals, shops of exquisite design where the shopper can drool over duty-free diamonds, frequent shows by musicians, theatre and dance companies from Europe and ancient warships at the Naval Museum that witnessed Napoleon’s only naval victory, in 1810.

Asia ? Yes, again. From Chinese soup with fish balls, Indian delicacies cooked from recipes handed down from generation to generation (see Places to Eat), Chinese paper lanterns with candles, Indian clay oil lamps, impressive Chinese dragon dances to Arabian nights reminding of Scheherazade and One Thousand and One Nights.

Africa ? Indeed! Discover the stag on the hillsides and plains of the West Coast, the indigenous hardwood forests and you are reminded of the shade and touch of the African wild (see Places of Interest). Hear the beat of the Sega dance inspired by African dances from the time of slavery, encounter the brilliant smiles of young islanders and you will be charmed by this facet of the great continent.

IT CAN BE AFFIRMED THAT MAURITIUS IS THE ONLY DESTINATION IN THE WORLD TO OFFER A RAINBOW OF POSSIBILITIES, DUE TO THE MULTI-CULTURAL HERITAGE OF ITS NATIONAL HISTORY.