+ Mauritius is the largest island in the Indian Ocean, and shares some similarities with Caribbean Island cultures, especially in the mix of cultural heritage from indigenous, European, and African peoples.
+ Older generations in Mauritius can be superstitious. Many people believe in white magic. This involves using prayers and incantations for healing purposes.
+ Faith healers use onions, candles, and needles to cure minor health ailments or injuries. Many educated Mauritians who scoff at such behavior will seek the services of guérisseurs (faith healers) if traditional medicine fails them.
+ With the various ethnic groups living on the island (Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%, Franco-Mauritian 2%), there are a vast number of festivals each year. The most common other festivals are:
• January – Thai Poosam Kavadee

• February – Chinese New Year, Abolition of slavery

• March – Holi

• April – Ougadi

• September – Ganesh Chaturthi,Eid Celebration

• October – Divali
• December-Christmast


+ The tourist industry is a large part of the local economy, so Mauritians tend to be comfortable dealing with foreigners. Dressing well is important. Although skimpy clothing may be acceptable at resorts, it is frowned upon in towns.
+ Several languages are spoken in Mauritius. Almost everyone speaks Creole, a simplified form of French, which does not utilize gender differences. Verb tense is indicated by using “pou” to indicate the future and “ti” to indicate the past.
+ Using French denotes refinement, although the French used on the islands is somewhat more archaic than that used in France. English is also used by many, although it tends to be learned from written forms, making the speech pattern excessively polite.
Briefly but surely, Mauritius has been named as the Paradise Island and nominated as the KEY of the Indian Ocean.