MAURITIUS CALENDAR 2018 - official Mauritius tourism … · MAURITIUS CALENDAR 2018 16 FEB 2018 CHINESE SPRING FESTIVAL (NEW YEAR) The Spring Festival, which is the Chinese New Year,

MAURITIUS CALENDAR 2018

25 - 30 JAN 2018

MAURITIUS BILLFISH RELEASE COMPETITION

The Mauritius Billfish Release International Tournament is taking

place in Black River, in late January during the peak of the marlin

season. Situated on the west coast of the Island, sheltered from the

prevailing trade winds, Black River is the perfect place for unforgetta-

ble deep-sea fishing experiences.

Venue | Black River

Organiser | Lux and JPH in collaboration with MTPA

Website | www.mauritiusbillfishtournament.com

31 JAN 2018

THAIPOOSAM CAVADEE

Cavadee is among the most spectacular Tamil events. The body

pierced with needles and the tongue and cheeks with skewers. The

devotee, trance-like and in penance, walks in procession to the tem-

ple bearing the "Cavadee”.

Venue | National Event

01 FEB 2018

ABOLITION OF SLAVERY

Slavery was abolished on the island in 1835 by the British, following

the vote of the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833 by the British Parliament.

Each year, to celebrate the abolition of slavery, concerts and com-

memorative events are organized throughout the island, especially at

Le Morne, a symbolic place, which was the refuge of many runaway

slaves

Venue | National Event - Le Morne Public Beach

Organiser | Ministry of Arts and Culture

MAHA SHIVARATREE

13 FEB 2018

Maha Shivratree is celebrated in honour of Hindu God, Siva. Hindu

devotees, clad in spotless white, carry the "kanwar" - wooden arches

covered with flowers – on pilgrimage to Grand Bassin, to fetch holy

water from the lake.

Venue | National Event– Grand Bassin


16 FEB 2018

CHINESE SPRING FESTIVAL (NEW YEAR)

The Spring Festival, which is the Chinese New Year, is celebrated in

January/February, depending on the adjustment of lunar days. Food

is piled up to ensure abundance during the year and the traditional

wax cake is distributed to relatives and friends. Firecrackers are lit to

ward off evil spirits. Gala Show with local and artists from People’s

Republic of China


Organiser | Ministry of Arts and Culture and the Embassy of the

People’s Republic of China.

01 MAR 2018

FETE DU POISSON ( RODRIGUES)

An annual activity organised to celebrate opening of net fishing. Activ-

ities include cultural shows, sales of local food and drinks, exhibitions.

Venue | Cotton Bay - Rodrigues island

Organiser | Rodrigues Tourism Office

Website | www.tourism-rodrigues.mu

12 MAR 2018

GOLDEN JUBILEE OF THE INDEPENDENCE

Come and celebrate with Mauritius the world’s melting pot. Discover

our beautiful beaches, over 100 fun family activities, 11 championship

golf courses and world-class spa & wellness facilities. Choose from

wide choice of accommodation based on our hotel classification sys-

tem. Enjoy an exciting calendar of activities leading to the celebration

of our 50 years of success in building the Mauritian nation.


01 MAR 2018

Regat 50ans

Regat 50 Ans at Mahebourg

Sunday 11 March 2018 (09h00 - 20h00)

Venue | Mahebourg

Organiser | Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

Website | www.tourism-mauriitius.mu


08 APR 2018

CHAMAREL EN FETE

Series of activities will be organised at Chamarel.

Venue | Chamarel

Organiser | Ministry of Tourism

18 APR 2018

WORLD HERITAGE DAY

Monuments and heritage site open to the public, free of charge - en-

tertaining and instructive discoveries of the rich past of Mauritius

through a selection of historical monuments and guided visits of na-

tional and world heritage sites.


CHINA TOWN FOOD AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL

MAY 2018

A festival of food whereby restaurants of the region of China Town in

Port Louis offer special menus and tariffs. The public are also over-

whelmed with the spectacular shows carried out in the streets, deco-

rated with Chinese lanterns, from Chinese troupes as well as local

artists such as Kung Fu demonstration and lion dance

Venue | China Town, Port-Louis

Organiser | Chinese Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with MTPA

FESTIVAL CULINAIRE BERNARD LOISEAU

25 MAR - 02 APR 2018

Michelin starred Chefs, and Constance Hotels and Resorts’ Chefs will

create master-pieces and finally compete for the prestigious winning

title here in Mauritius. Live the sizzling 12th edition with us!

Venue | Constance Belle Mare Plage

Organiser | Constance Hotels and Resorts

Website | https://www.constancehotels.com/en/landing/festival-

culinaire-bernard-loiseau/home

https://www.constancehotels.com/en/landing/festival-culinaire-bernard-loiseau/home/

https://www.constancehotels.com/en/landing/festival-culinaire-bernard-loiseau/home/


06 MAY 2018

BEACH FUN DAY

Discover sea/ water sports activities during this event and have the

chance to participate in leisure activities organised.

Venue | TBC


12 MAY 2018

ROYAL RAID LES TEMPLIERS

Royal Raid, the first and fantastic Mauritian Trail run that will lead you

inside our Island and makes you discover unforgettable tropical scen-

eries. Every year, local and international runners and hikers enjoy the

event friendly atmosphere.

Venue | Yemen/Bel Ombre

Organiser | Lux* resorts in collaboration with MTPA

Website | www.sports.luxresorts.com

17 - 19 MAY 2018

MAURITIUS TOUR BEACHCOMBER

The third edition of the Mauritius Tour Beachcomber (MTB) will yet

again beckon mountain bikers in the very depth of a vast playing field

loaded with challenges, discovery and breath-taking sceneries. The

Beachcomber touch promises a dreamlike experience at each pedal

stroke on unique trails, an experience where participants will expend

their energy while contemplating the ocean from afar.

Venue | South of the Island

Organiser | Beachcomber Resorts collaboration with MTPA

Website | www.beachcomber-events.com

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

MAY 2018

Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated t o commemorate Qu Yuan (340 –

278 BC) an ancient patriotic poet. In Mauritius a dragon boat race

competition is organised where about 8 – 10 teams of 25 participants

usually participate. Rodrigues and Reunion Island are invited to take

part in the dragon boat race competition.

Venue | Harbour Front– Port-Louis

Organiser | The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China


June 2018

TROPICADINGUE

Combining features of trail running and multisport racing, the Tropi-

ca'Dingue at Mon Trésor is THE wackiest and most fun-packed of all

sporting challenges to have hit the shores of Mauritius. This unique

event brings together solo and team competitors who participate in an

off-road race of almost 10 km, with twenty-two original obstacles in-

terspersed all along. On the menu: mud, water, underground passag-

es, net-climbing, tyre obstacle courses, and so much more…

Venue | South of the island

Organiser | ILOP Sports in collaboration with Beachcomber and MTPA

Website | tropicadingue.mu

June 2018

BAL DU BON VIEUX TEMPS

Bal Du Bon Vieux Temps has once been a wide type of social danc-

ing as recreation. During the event people are gathered in a festive

cadre such as a ballroom with a particular décor and ambience. The

Bal Du Bon Vieux Temps is not uniquely about music but also about

sharing of convivial moments around the mixture of tradition and

pleasure.

Venue | Rose-Hill


*16 JUNE 2018

EID-UL-FITR

Eid-ul-Fitr is the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. It marks

the end of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting and prayer. Many

Muslims attend prayers during Eid-ul-Fitr. They are dressed in fine

clothing and children receive gifts on that occasion.



* Depend on the visibility of the moon.

SURFSKI WEEK

26 JUNE– 02 July 2018

This event is a fantastic week of surf skiing and paddlers: Downwind

in perfect conditions, team race, free coaching from champions,

friendly and warm atmosphere.

Venue | Tamassa Hotel- Bel Ombre

Organiser | Lux* Sport in collaboration with MTPA

Website | sports.luxresorts.com


08 JULY 2018

ZE DODO TRAIL

The DODO Trail offer three fabulous track crossing the island from

the South to the West coast of Mauritius. Lovers of trails could

choose between the Xtreme DODO trail (50km), the Ti DODO trail

(25km) and the Mini DODO Trail (10km).

Venue | South and West of the island

Organiser | IBL in collaboration with MTPA

Website | www.dodotrail.com

15 JULY 2018

MAURITIUS MARATHON

Mauritius Marathon AIMS and IAAF Certified races is a fantastic chal-

lenge which takes place in one of the most beautiful part of Mauritius:

20km of coastal road in the south, along one of the most beautiful

lagoon and through typical coastal villages.

Venue |

Organiser | Lux* Sport in collaboration with MTPA.


JULY 2018

KITE SURF FESTIVAL (RODRIGUES)

An annual festival organised for local and international kite surfers.

Activities include long and mini raid competition organised during sev-

eral days.

Venue | Mourouk -Rodrigues island

Organiser | Rodrigues Kite Surf Association

ULTRA TRAIL RAIDLIGHT BEACHCOMBER

28-29 JULY 2018

This event is a fantastic week of surf skiing and paddlers: Downwind

in perfect conditions, team race, free coaching from champions,

friendly and warm atmosphere.

Venue | Tamassa Hotel- Bel Ombre

Organiser | Beachcomber in collaboration with MTPA

Website | www.beachcomber-events.com

http://sports.luxresorts.com/


2 SEPTEMBER 2018

MAIDEN CUP

This prestigious Horse race is run at the Champ De Mars since 1843.

Venue | Champs De Mars

Organiser | Mauritius Turf Club

SEPTEMBER 2018

FERNEY TRAIL

The Ferney Trail is a unique experience in the middle of one of the

last natural sanctuaries in the country: La vallée de Ferney, nestled in

the mountain ranges of the south-east of the island. The trail consist

of four categories of races; the 4 km, 10km, 20km and 50 km.

Venue | La vallée de Ferney

Organiser | Ciel Group

Website | www.ferneytrail.com

SEPTEMBER 2018

TOUR DE MAURICE

This international Cycling Event which sees the participation of pro-

fessionals from countries such as Reunion Island, Seychelles,

France, Kenya, South Africa and Switzerland.

Venue | Mauritius island

Organiser | Fédération Mauricienne de Cyclisme in collaboration with MTPA


14 SEPTEMBER 2018

GANESH CHATURTHI

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated during the August / September. It

marks the birthday of Ganesha, the God of wisdom and remover of all

obstacles according to Hindu mythology. The event ends with the

Ganesh Visarjan whereby devotees immerse idol of Lord Ganesh in

water body after a gala street procession.



SEPTEMBER 2018

FESTIVAL DE LA MER (RODRIGUES)

The festival consist of different activities and competitions which are

all related to the sea, such as initiation to diving, kite surfing, regatta,

swimming competition as well as sensitization campaign, cultural

show.

Venue | Cotton Bay – Rodrigues

Organiser | Rodrigues Tourism Office

Website | www.tourism-rodrigues.mu

PERE LAVAL PELGRIMAGE

Every year on 8 September, men, women and children from every

part of the island, leave their houses and start on a long march to the

shrine of Father Jacques Désiré Laval at Sainte Croix, where prayers

are said. The death of Père Laval is commemorated on the 9 Sep-

tember.

Venue | St. Croix, Port-Louis


08-09 SEPTEMBER 2018


02 NOVEMBER 2018

ARRIVAL OF INDENTURED LABOURERS

Anniversary of the Arrival of Indentured Laborers in Mauritius is

marked in a special way with a series of activities and celebrated with

due honor, consideration and respect to those who have contributed

to the economy of Mauritius and progress of the country.



DEUTSCHE BANK 100KM CYCLE TOUR

OCTOBER 2018

Since 2004, the Deutsche Bank 100km Cycle Tour is one of the an-

nual rendez-vous on the Mauritian sports calendar. Besides being a

sport challenge, this cycle race invites participants to ride for a cause.

Each year, part of the entry fees is remitted to local NGOs to support

their laudable work for the embetterment of the Mauritian society

Venue | Mauritius island

Organiser |

Website | www.facebook.com/Tour-de- Maurice


NOVEMMBER 2018

DIVALI MELA

A gathering of international artists which performs in live concerts held all around the island during the Divali week.

Venue | TBC

Organiser | MTPA and Ministry of Tourism

07 NOVEMBER 2018

DIVALI CELEBRATION

Divali is the most jovial of all Hindu festivals. Celebrated in Novem-

ber, it marks the victory of righteousness over evil in the Hindu my-

thology. Traditionally, clay oil lamps were placed in front of every

home turning the island into a fairyland of flickering lights; these have

now been replaced mostly by decorative electric lights.



NOVEMBER 2018

TRAIL DE RODRIGUES

An annual event gathering participants from different countries who

come to Rodrigues to run through the island of Rodrigues. Activities

include races over different distances, prize giving ceremony and cul-

tural show.

Venue | Anse Quitor – Rodrigues

Organiser | Rodrigues Trail Association

HERITAGE SOUTHERN TROPICAL CHALLENGE

NOVEMBER 2018

Bike through the most beautiful tracks of Mauritius with 180 km of

pure nature and physical performance. This mountain bike challenge

allows you to discover some unique and scenic views of Mauritius.

Venue | South of Mauritius

Organiser | VLH Ltd and Southern Tropical Ltd.

Website | www.heritage-resorts.com/events/stc


17- 26 NOVEMMBER 2018

FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL KREOL

Like every year the FIK (Festival Morisien) will be organised by the

Ministry of Tourism, MTPA and partners such as Ministry of Arts and

Culture at the end of November. The Festival is organised during a

week with competitions, live concerts, cultural events and other activi-

ties around the “Kreol” theme. This festival target the Mauritius popu-

lation at large and is mediatized internationally.


Organiser | Ministry of Tourism, MTPA and Ministry of Arts and

Culture.

DECEMBER 2018

PORLWI BY NATURE

Driven by the desire to spread a cultural aura over Port Louis, the

festival is imagined as an itinerary that crosses the city, with artistic,

inventive, culinary, and ludic escapades; it is imagined as an artistic

and technological experience that celebrates light, art, music, perfor-

mance and cuisine. This festival is organised during the 1st week of

December.

Venue | Port-Louis

Organiser | Move for Arts Ltd in collaboration with MTPA, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Arts and Culture and Private Sector.

Website | www.Porlwi.mu

NOVEMBER 2018

INTERNATIONAL JOCKEY’S DAY

An annual event which welcome international jockey’s on two days of

races. The races are organised during an hippic week-end.

Venue | Champs De Mars

Organiser | Mauritius Turf Club

INDIAN OCEAN TRIATHLON

NOVEMBER 2018

This competition is held in the south and south-West of Mauritius is-

land on a yearly basis. This sport combines biking, running and swim-

ming.

Venue | South of Mauritius

Organiser | VO2 Max Voyage in collaboration with Lux* Sport and MTPA


http://sports.luxresorts.com/


CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

25 DECEMBER 2018

Mauritians enjoy Christmas celebration in a lively, tropical, summery

atmosphere. A series of activities are organized to mark the end of

year celebrations paying special attention to children who are de-

prived, animating their Christmas into a memorable one.



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MAURITIUS CALENDAR 2018 - official Mauritius tourism … · MAURITIUS CALENDAR 2018 16 FEB 2018 CHINESE SPRING FESTIVAL (NEW YEAR) The Spring Festival, which is the Chinese New Year,