Experience Chinese New Year in Mauritius

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a key date on the Mauritian calendar. Celebrated by the entire Sino-Mauritian community and beyond, it is accompanied by colourful and joyous celebrations. Let’s find out more…

‘Kung Hei Fat Choy!’ If there’s one phrase to remember during your stay in Mauritius at the end of January, it’s this one. And for good reason: it’s on everyone’s lips during Chinese New Year, which will be celebrated on 29 January 2025. With its symbols, vibrant parades and folk traditions, it offers a delightful way to discover Mauritius in all its authenticity and diversity. Here’s everything you need to know about the Spring Festival.

Mauritius is proud of its Chinese community

While the first Chinese arrivals to Mauritius date back to 1745, when the island was still a French colony, it wasn’t until the second half of the 19th century that a real Chinese community began to take root.

Fleeing wars, disease and poverty in China, around 400 migrants arrived in Mauritius between 1833 and 1846. Seeking a better life, they saw an opportunity on the island, which by then had become a British colony bringing in large numbers of Indian indentured workers to replace the enslaved labour force. These workers needed places to stock up on much-needed goods, so the Chinese community developed retail businesses across the island and introduced a credit system, which was innovative at the time. More than just witnesses to the island’s development, the Chinese community played a key role in shaping its growth.

The majority of the Chinese community settled in Port Louis, in the Royal Road area, which is today known as Chinatown. It is one of the oldest Chinese neighbourhoods in Africa. Even today, it remains a sensory delight: from stalls exuding tasty aromas to walls covered in street art, Chinatown has a unique atmosphere with narrow streets filled with shops and restaurants passed down through generations.

Chinese New Year: a long tradition!

Nearly a third of the world celebrates Chinese New Year. This day is not only a holiday in China, but also in Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Mauritius! It takes place on the first day of the first month of the Chinese calendar – between 21 January and 19 February of our calendar – and marks the transition to a new zodiac sign. Tiger, horse, dog, cow… Chinese astrology has its own codes. Each year is also associated with an element – fire, water, earth, wood, and metal. In 2025, it’s the Year of the Wood Snake! Known for its wisdom, maturity and communication skills.

Originally, the Spring Festival involved prayers and offerings for a good harvest. Over time, it has evolved into a celebration marking the start of the lunar new year. It includes essential rituals: it begins with a thorough house cleaning, followed by decoration. Calligraphed banners with wishes, portraits of deities to bring fortune and protection to the home, and red lanterns hanging everywhere give a truly festive décor!

Tradition dictates that families reunite for a festive meal, dressed in their finest clothes – preferably red, a colour that is believed to bring happiness and prosperity in Chinese tradition. The meal includes symbolic dishes, such as dumplings (whose shape is said to resemble ancient gold ingots)! It’s also a time for exchanging gifts, such as red envelopes containing money, believed to bring good luck for the year ahead. Finally, it’s an opportunity to enjoy performances: dances, acrobatics, and music.

How is Chinese New Year celebrated in Mauritius?

In Mauritius, Chinese New Year is a major celebration, too. Highly anticipated by Mauritians, it is also a wonderful experience for visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s rich, multicultural atmosphere.

While celebrations take place across the island, the heart of the festivities is in Port Louis and, more specifically, in Chinatown. Head there with your family to join in the joyful mood of Mauritians!

Between parades – where you’ll witness the famous Lion Dance and Dragon Dance, fireworks and firecrackers (said to drive away demons), and street food specialities like Mooncakes, ‘chipeks’, and ‘gato zinzli’ – many delightful discoveries await you. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit a pagoda to respectfully observe the ceremonies: those of Kwan Tee, Thien-Thane, or Fook Soo Am in Port Louis will immerse you in the heart of the celebrations.

Tips for fully enjoying Chinese New Year in Mauritius

Chinese New Year is a public holiday in Mauritius. As a result, many shops and restaurants will be closed, or operate on limited hours. So, plan your day accordingly!

Want to explore Port Louis and Chinatown? Great idea! If you’re driving, we recommend parking a bit farther from the celebrations, for example at the Caudan parking lot. You’ll be able to walk to the heart of the festivities. Arriving early in the day is also a good idea to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Lastly, a final precaution: make sure to stay at a safe distance from the firecrackers or fireworks. Accidents can happen quickly, and a burn is not the best souvenir to take home.

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Mauritius is a great way to experience the cultural beauty of the island and the richness of its communities, so we hope to see you there!