One of the best times to visit Mauritius is in December, not only because of the perfect weather and Christmas decorations all around but also because of the vibrant International Kreol Festival. It’s an experience like no other and on this December, from 12th to 22nd, the island was alive with the sounds, colors, traditions, dance, and flavors of Creole culture. The theme for this year was Kreolite boté nou mauricianisme – Creolity, the beauty of our Mauritianism. The celebration is a unique opportunity for locals and tourists to connect with the heart of Mauritius, the soul of its people, and the beauty of its shared history.
The festival kicked off on December 12th with an opening ceremony at the iconic Le Morne, a place rich in history and significance. The mountain, towering majestically over the island, stands as a symbol of resistance and resilience. The importance of Le Morne follows a dark and tragic legend when huge numbers of slaves were brought to the island against their will and forced to work. Many slaves managed to escape and seek refuge in the deep and dense forests of Le Morne Brabant Mountain.
However, when the British defeated the French, and the army officials approached the base with the aim of delivering this life-changing good news – slavery had been abolished and they were all free now – the escaped slaves, known as maroons, were unaware of this. Tragically, fearing they were about to be captured and forced back to a life of bondage and slavery, they choose to leap from the cliffs into the ocean, preferring death to the risk of enslavement.
The honourable Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, inaugurated the ceremony. Tourism Minister Richard Duval and Junior Minister Sydney Pierre emphasized the importance of celebrating Creole identity and how it has shaped Mauritius, “Creolité is the living flame of our multicultural country. And this Festival today represents openness and fusion,” he said. This festival goes around the different corners of Mauritius, giving everyone an opportunity to be a part of it. “Our Creole identity has become our strength. Where everyone respects each other’s identity. That’s why we want this Festival to become an unforgettable moment for everyone”, concluded the Minister of Tourism.
The next evening was Sega Jazz performance at Le Four à Chaux, Trou d’Eau Douce and we had fun grooving and dancing to the beats on the beach. The highlight for me was the upbeat Grand Concert at Cruise Terminal les Salines, in Port Louis, where talented local and international musicians gathered to perform on the big stage. The crowd was electric and although I couldn’t understand much of the lyrics, I found myself swept up in the energy and vibing to the catchy tunes. It was heartwarming to see families, friends, parents, and kids all coming together to create beautiful memories on this unforgettable evening.
The next day, Kreol festival took us to Grand Baie to taste Mauritian cuisine and attend a beach concert. Tourists and locals gathered around the many food stalls, savoring dishes that were a mixture of African, Indian, Chinese, and European. I even danced a little with the performers backstage. The festival has it all – good food and good music – two things that quickly bring people together.
I had the privilege of meeting so many locals and it was clear how much they were enjoying this 10-day festival. Although, I couldn’t stay for all 10 days, the International Kreol Festival is a powerful reminder of how culture connects people, breaks down barriers, and celebrates the beauty of diversity. Mauritius truly shows the Creol magic.
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