Wooden battens, glue jars and varnish cans were neatly stored on shelves, and cardboard templates hung on a nail. The man, who was in his sixties, was very friendly and very inclined to talk about his passion and experience.

As Mauritians all around the country gather to celebrate 51 years of Independence, let us take a look at the history of tourism in Mauritius.

Kung Shee Fat Choy!! I dare you to find a single Mauritian, no matter the ethnic background, who does not know what these words mean! In fact, this is how we wish a Happy New Year to our compatriots of Chinese origin, in January or February when they celebrate the lunar new year: the Spring Festival.

We have all heard about the holiday of Epiphany or The Epiphany Tart, celebrated on the first Sunday of January (if it is not the 01^st of course). Well, at home, in Mauritius, we celebrate: Lé Rwa bwar! Which literally means: the king drinks!

The new year, to be more locally precise, Banané (New year). Banané overshadows all cultural and spiritual festivities whatsoever, and drowns one and all in a bliss which we people of this island alone can feel.

The end-of-year celebrations in Mauritius are the prime time for all kinds of outdoor fun with nature following suit by oozing with deliciously festive flavours and colours.

Technology has taken over the world. Eyes are now firmly fixed on tablets and trendy smartphones. The virtual reality reigns supreme all over the world.

Mauritius is home to a distinctive and delicious street food culture built on layers of cultural diversity.  Our island’s people have a well-entrenched tradition of eating on the run at roadside stalls serving up an array of flavours and the local markets and streets are actually the place to go for an authentic Mauritian food experience.  

The temperature drop occurring in Mauritius every year, the cold which gradually begins in May, increases in July and August and slowly fades away in September. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Southern winter!

Champs de Mars (oldest racetrack in the southern hemisphere) situated at Port Louis is at its boiling point. Saturday horse racing is in the starting block.