Mauritian sega
Music has always been such a large part of Mauritian culture. At many big events such as weddings, birthdays and religious festivals Mauritians enjoy many forms of music, with sega being the most popular. The family gathers together with various instruments to sing, play and dance together. Sega is usually sung in the mother tongue of Mauritius- creole. This music was traditionally performed using only traditional instruments like ravanne (round drum covered in goat skin- for better sound) and the triangle. sega has also played an important part in the fight for social justice in Mauritius. This form of sega was sung to protest against injustice in Mauritius. If you haven't experienced the joy of sega yet, now is the time. Sega music is widely accessible in Mauritius, and you can find a lot of varieties online and create your very own sega party!
Diwali
Twinkling lights, delicious cakes and family, Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindu's in Mauritius. It is a festival of new beginnings, triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Traditionally it is celebrated with family and friends at home and often sweets are prepared by the host, such as: sweet potato and banana cakes, ladoo (a cardamom flavoured sweet) and the home is decorated with candles and lights, with a traditionally made clay lamp with a cotton wick dipped in ghee (margarine) or vegetable oil and lit. Many other religions join the celebrations and I find it so enriching to be part of.
Seven curries traditions
Food and cultural traditions also come hand in hand in Mauritius and the traditional seven vegetable curries, long-established for Hindu families to enjoy the eve before a wedding, is one of my favorites. This delicious variety of curries is served on a banana leaf and relished by families after a day of fasting before the marriage of someone in the family.
Celebrating Eid-Ul-Fitr
Do you enjoy learning and tasting new things? What better way to do that than the festival of Eid-Ul-Fitr. Eid is the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, and it marks the end of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting and prayer. Many Muslims attend communal prayers, listen to a sermon and give charity in the form of food. You will notice in Mauritius that many people partake in Eid celebrations, whether that's preparing and enjoying Sheer Khorma (milk with dates) or simply greeting neighbours, friends in the Muslim community. If you haven't tried Sheer Khorma yet, now is the time to get involved!
With a society so rich in its melting pot of culture and traditions Mauritians are extremely accepting and respectful people. What better way to experience and learn about other cultures whilst living in such a diverse and open country, than to embrace the various traditions.
