Here in this post, we discussed the cultural heritage of Mauritius which includes the culture and the heritage sites in Mauritius.
CULTURE OF MAURITIUS
The co-existence of Mauritians of Indian, African (known as Mauritian Creoles), European (mostly French), and Chinese ancestry eventually led to a sharing of values and cultures, a collective participation in festivals and an increased understanding between people of different ethnic backgrounds. Mauritians from different cultural backgrounds are very distinct from each other, and it is also highly unpopular to encourage the dissolution of cultural boundaries in Mauritius. Mauritian high culture is French and Indian dominate.
Read: DISTRICTS OF MAURITIUS
Language
Currently, the official language of Mauritius is English language. The British colonial legacy in Mauritius is reflected in the use of English language in governmental documents and communications; however, English is rarely used in public life and in daily conversation. Mauritians working in the tourism industry are however fluent in English; English is also taught in school and is the working language of government and businesses.
French is the ancestral language of the Franco-Mauritians. The presence of French settlers left an important mark on the ethnic composition of Mauritius in the form of the Franco-Mauritians; despite being a minority group, the Franco-Mauritians strongly affected the rest of the population through the use of the French language. As the French language was associated with high culture in Mauritius, the educated and the business class commonly spoke French. Nowadays, business and social aspects of life, as well as in the media (including daily newspapers, literature and many cultural expressions in Mauritius, are, however, dominated by French language. Most Mauritians are more comfortable speaking French than English, and is used by all ethnic groups.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Mauritius is a blend of African, French and other European cuisines, as well as Chinese, and Indian influences. It is common for a combination of cuisines to form part of the same meal.
Beef and Pork are not commonly found in restaurants given dietary restrictions of Hindus and Muslims.
Mauritius has had strong ties with French culture throughout its history and was left with a very French “savoir vivre”. Even today, the popularity of French dishes like the bouillon, tuna salad, daube, civet de lièvre or coq au vin served with good wine show the prevalence of French culture in Mauritius. As the years passed by, some have been adapted to the more exotic ingredients of the island to confer some unique flavor.
Clothing of Mauritius
Fashion in Mauritius is also influenced by the vague formality-related rules, personal preference, difference between urban and rural lifestyle, and by the diverse origins of the Mauritian population, including ethno-religious identity. Mauritius of all background wears bright colors, especially Mauritian women. Flip-flops (locally known as ‘savat’) are worn by all Mauritian regardless of their cultural background, which are suitable for the Mauritian climate. Beachwear and tight/revealing clothing is acceptable in many resorts but they are not considered appropriate in towns and villages. Both Western-style clothing and Traditional ethnic clothing are worn in Mauritius.
Religions
The Constitution of Mauritius prohibits discrimination based on creed and provides for the right of individuals to change, manifest, and propagate their religious beliefs. The government of Mauritius recognizes 6 groups as religions: Hindus, Roman Catholics, Muslims, Anglicans, Presbyterians, and Seventh-day Adventists; other religious groups must register as associations.
The people of Indian descent (Indo-Mauritian) follow mostly Hinduism and Islam. The Franco-Mauritians, Creoles and Sino-Mauritians follow Christianity. Hinduism is the major religion, followed by Christianity (with Catholicism as the largest Christian denomination), followed by Islam and some form of Chinese-related religions; a very small amount of people follows Buddhism.
Music
Music found in Mauritius has the sounds and rhythms of Western, Eastern, and African civilizations which result from the preserved legacy transmitted by the ancestors of the Mauritians to their descendants. Traditional dances and music were introduced by Indian and Chinese migrants to Mauritius. The most well-known Traditional Chinese dance in Mauritius is the Dragon dance and the Lion dance. Western music and dance are also well represented in Mauritius, where rap, hip-hop, Jazz, and waltz (along with all types of ballroom dancing) can be found. There is also a strong following of oldies music, dating from 1960s and 1970s; performers such as Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, and Engelbert Humperdinck are part of the national musical heritage.
HERITAGE SITES IN MAURITIUS
1. La Citadelle Port Louis (Fort Adelaïde)
La Citadelle de Port Louis, also known as Le Fort Adelaïde, was built on a strategic location on the higher lands of Port Louis at 240 feet above sea level. The British started the construction of this fortress in 1832 in fear of a civil war from the remaining French settlers on the island and also for the purpose of guarding the harbour against enemy attacks. A ride uphill to Fort Adelaide guarantees breathtaking views of Port Louis and of the mountain range surrounding Port Louis.
2. Château de Labourdonnais
Built in 1859 in the North of Mauritius, the Château de Labourdonnais, a sugar estate of the 19th century offers a long journey in the past. Contrary to what its name might suggest, it was not the home of the French naval officer Mahé de Labourdonnais and the name was actually given by the progeny of Jacques de Chasteigner Du Mee.
Restored with respect for the art and architecture of that time, the Château de Labourdonnais offers an immersion in a multi-faceted estate. Discover the story of the time, both through illustrations on the island and its sugar industry and through the experience of the place and its occupants. The tour includes a museum that holds treasures of the 19th century.
3. Sugar Museum and Factory (L’Aventure du Sucre)
Once lusted after as much as gold, sugar has enjoyed an extraordinary existence, leaving a profound impression on the history and identity of Mauritius. Located in the north of the island, the Beau Plan sugar mill has a trail that will tell you over 250 years of history of the whole island.
The adventure starts behind the facade of the factory building, with tales woven around the life story of sugar, which for a long period of time has been the main product of Mauritius. You will then visit the enormous factory, its decade-old machines decked with a thousand lights.
4. Bois Cheri Tea Museum & Factory
If you love tea and nature, this is one of those tours you should not miss. Bois Chéri is the first tea plantation in Mauritius dates back to 1892. The plantation is just a short distance from the museum and the main factory. It is located in a scenic natural setting with the surroundings of lush greenery. The background brings some quiet relaxation and peace of mind.
A guide will lead you through the factory and the tea plantation, offering you to discover the history, stories, and tales of the Bois Chéri and the importance of tea productions in Mauritius. After the guided tour of the tea factory, you will be visiting the tea production museum where you will learn more about the history of tea in Mauritius.
5. Aapravasi Ghat –
Located in the north at Trou Fanfaron, next to the port enclosure, Aapravasi Ghat is one of two Mauritian sites listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally called Coolie Ghat or Immigration Square, the site was renamed to Aapravasi Ghat in 2001- which in Sanskrit means “shore / immigration depot”. Due to its geographical position, Mauritius has been, for a long time, the hub of global immigration to the other colonies.
The initial stage of the visit, the archaeological remains, and the dynamic presentations allow a comprehensive understanding of the site and its heritage. Shore of a new land and a new destiny, Aapravasi Ghat remains above all a place celebrating the memory of our ancestors.
6. Eureka House
Eureka House is a unique Creole house built in 1830. It is located in Moka. It is an elegant Creole residence originally owned by British and French aristocrats in the 19th century. It is reputed to be one of the largest houses on the island, with 109 doors and windows.
In 1986, the Eureka house was restored and opened to the public as a museum. The visit of the Eureka Mansion and its grounds provides an intriguing glimpse into colonial life. The house is filled with antiques as well as an exceptional garden surrounded by waterfalls of the Moka River. The house is constructed largely of wood, wrapped around by a long, shady veranda. The yard consists of a curious mix of English-style garden and the natural Mauritian plant life, including mango trees and palms, a waterfall and an.
7. Blue Penny Museum
The Blue Penny Museum is an art and history museum located in the capital Port Louis and within Le Caudan Waterfront shopping complex. Constructed almost two decades ago in 2001, the museum is designed with incredible attention to quality which is obvious from the works on display and the detailed descriptions accompanying them.
You can discover is the history of maritime in the Indian Ocean and have an overview of the three different colonial periods that the island had experienced. Witness Port Louis in the 18th and 19th centuries and the history of postal services, with the very first postage stamps to be issued in Mauritius. The tour of the museum ends with the beautiful yet tragic story of a mythical couple, Paul and Virginie. It is a fantastic place to view statues, vintage coins, and stamps related to Mauritius including the orange-red one penny as well as additional art exhibits from local artists.
8. National History Museum
The National History Museum, located in Port- Louis, provides an overview of Mauritius history & colonisation by the Portuguese starting from the 16th century, Dutch, the French and finally by the British in the 19th century. Constructed in a 17th century French house, the museum itself is a national monument.
The first floor features the Dutch, French and the Anglo-French wars sections.You will also be able to view some old maps of the Indian Ocean as well as of Mauritius created by the Dutch. Find some rare blue and white Chinese porcelains originated from the Ming Dynasty (Wan Li 1575 – 1620) and many other items collected from a pirate shipwreck that took place at Grand River South East on 07th January 1702.
9. The Natural History Museum
Located near the gardens of the East India Company, the Natural History Museum of Port-Louis exhibits some of the impressive fauna of Mauritius and nearby islands. There are more than 3,000 historic specimens on display. These creatures lived on land, in the ocean or in the skies and they are of all shapes and sizes.
On display, you can find various bird species originating from the nearby region and some other animals which are now extinct e.g Giant Mauritian Lizard, considered the largest lizard in the world and of course the famous Dodo, Mauritius’ national symbol. Discover some videos about excavations of Dodo bones, some of which are also exhibited at the gallery. You will also get to view a skeleton of the national bird of Rodrigues, The Solitaire, which also became extinct at the end of the 18th century.
10. Domaine De Saint Aubin
Located in the South of Mauritius, Domaine De Saint Aubin, is a few kilometres away from Souillac. This sugar estate dates from the beginning of the 19th century, when the roads were impractical and sugar had to be transported to the capital of the island by means of the sailboats from the Souillac port.
The estate house is a beautiful colonial mansion that was built with wood from demolished ships. The remains of these ancient ships can still be seen at the staircase, the frame of the attic and the roof is made of an old boat structure. Nowadays, the attic has been converted into a small gallery where you can find antique furniture, old photographs of the estate and various signs detailing the history of Mauritius and maritime trade.
The house has been converted into table d’hôte offering traditional dishes using products from the estate’s plantations. Comfortably seated under the veranda or in the lounges, visitors can enjoy some famous Mauritian delicacies.