Last week, although the gradual easing of the lockdown was supposed to begin on April 1, the bishop of Port-Louis had already announced that churches would remain closed during Holy Week. He feared that Easter ceremonies would lead to gatherings of more than 5 people. With the new measures that came into effect on April 1, no gatherings are allowed until April 30. So all places of worship, including churches, shall remain closed.
Still, Cardinal Piat is holding the traditional masses in a closed cathedral on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday and these will also be broadcast live on the MBC channels and on social networks. Parishes around the island can also broadcast Holy Week masses or ceremonies on their social media accounts.
Easter: a national holiday
Even though Easter is not a public holiday in Mauritius, it is celebrated by thousands of families, and not only Catholics. In fact, many Mauritians observed fasting and abstinence for the past 40 days until Easter celebrations. In general, as in many countries around the world, many ceremonies are held during Holy Week. Usually, people attend Easter Eve's mass on Saturday night as well. But even though churches will remain closed this year, Mauritian families can still get together to pray.
Jannick talks to us about how her Easter plans. “For the second year in a row, we won't be going to church for Easter, but this does not mean that we can't pray at home. I believe that this very particular context will also help us strengthen our family ties, ”she says. In fact, gatherings are prohibited in Mauritius until further notice, but Jannick has it all set. “With my husband and our two daughters, we'll have a small barbecue with grilled chicken and pork and salad”.
In normal times, how is Easter celebrated in Mauritius?
As in many other countries, Mauritian children also love the Easter egg hunt. In fact, since a few weeks, supermarkets and mini-markets had already set up their Easter shelves with all kinds of chocolates. Usually, parents hide the Easter eggs around the house and in the garden so that the children can look for them. “My nephews join us every year for the egg hunt since they were very young. This year, of course, they will not be there, but I have planned a little egg hunt for my two daughters, ”Jannick will tell us.
Since Easter is also the time for family get-togethers, communication apps are being handy this year as well. “We tested it last year since our relatives with whom we usually celebrate Easter were unable to join us. This year again, we have planned to have a drink together online, to reconnect despite the lockdown and the distance between us”, Jannick confides.
Sadly, this year also, beaches, which are usually crowded on Easter Monday and the following weekend, will remain deserted. In fact, beaches around the island will remain closed until further notice. But you can still enjoy this special day in a unique way. Consider family activities, such as karaoke, board games, or even online games.
And if you want to know how Easter is generally celebrated around the world, read this article!
