In Mauritius, New Year's Day is a public holiday that is welcomed with a colorful mixture of cultures and traditions. The Mauritians, a blend of several ethnicities all living harmoniously on the island, each have their specific ways of celebrating but everyone shares in the excitement and joy of starting a fresh new year. Enthusiasm builds up days before the actual celebration, with many families shopping for special food and drinks, gifts, new clothes, and fireworks.
When the New Year's Eve arrives, celebrations are kicked off with fireworks at the stroke of midnight. Amidst the colorful showers of light, Mauritian families gather together for a midnight feast known as 'reveillon', which may include a range of delicacies reflecting the island's diverse cuisine. From unique Creole dishes, Indian curries, to Chinese specialties, the feast is a culinary explosion of flavors which symbolizes the unique blend of various cultures in the country.
New Year's Day in Mauritius is also a day for visiting friends and relatives. Exchanging well wishes and gifts is a customary practice, and children often look forward to 'L'Etrénne', gifts of money from elder family members. The day is also marked by music and dance. Sega tunes, the traditional folk music of Mauritius, fill the air, while people dance and celebrate the New Year in a spirit of unity and joy. Despite the varied cultures and traditions, the celebration of New Year's Day in Mauritius is a testament to the nation’s rich cultural diversity and spirit of harmony.