Mauritius National Day 2027
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About the event
The day became central to national identity because Mauritius is a society built from migration: Indian indentured labourers, African and Malagasy enslaved people, Chinese traders, French settlers and British rule all shaped the island.
UNESCO-listed sega uses ravanne drums, dance and creole lyrics.
Why this day
12 March marks the day in 1968 when Mauritius became independent from Britain. The date also became Republic Day in 1992, giving the holiday a double meaning: independence from colonial rule and the later creation of a Mauritian republic.
The day became central to national identity because Mauritius is a society built from migration: Indian indentured labourers, African and Malagasy enslaved people, Chinese traders, French settlers and British rule all shaped the island. Independence Day celebrates coexistence as much as sovereignty.
Today National Day is marked with flag-raising, parades, cultural performances, fireworks and official ceremonies. Visitors see sega music, school groups, beach gatherings, temple and church communities, and a rainbow-coloured island identity that fits the national flag.
Across Mauritius, the day feels festive and family-centred. People gather around biryani, mine frit, gateaux piments, rum, beaches and music, making the national story feel warm, creole and public.
Timeline
- 1810Britain takes Mauritius from France during Napoleonic wars
- 1968Mauritius gains independence from Britain
- 1992Mauritius becomes a republic within the Commonwealth
Key figures
Stay for the event
Check-in 11 Mar, check-out 13 Mar 2027 — 2 nights around 12 March 2027. Change the dates to stay longer.
AREA
Find stays in Port LouisGetting there
- Celebratednationwide
- CapitalPort Louis
- Time zoneMUT (UTC+4)
Host country
- Currency: Mauritian rupee
- Language: English, French
- Driving: on the left
- Capital: Port Louis
- Phone: +230
- Emergency: 112
- Electricity: 230 V, 50 Hz, plugs C/E/G
What to eat
Split-pea flatbread filled with curry, rougaille and chilli sauce.
Fragrant rice with meat, potatoes and spices, common at celebrations.
Fried noodles with vegetables, egg and meat or seafood.
Fried split-pea chilli cakes sold as snacks across the island.
Fish cooked in tomato, garlic, thyme and chilli sauce.
Sweet milk drink with basil seeds and jelly, often sold at markets.
What to drink
Sugarcane rum reflects the island's plantation history and modern distilleries.
Local lager commonly served cold at beach and family gatherings.
Tea flavoured with vanilla from island plantations and gardens.
Culture & traditions
UNESCO-listed sega uses ravanne drums, dance and creole lyrics.
The immigration depot records the history of indentured labour.
The capital hosts official flag-raising and National Day events.
Families often turn the public holiday into seaside picnics and music.
Coming years
Mauritius National Day 2028
- Sunday 12 March 2028Next event date
Mauritius National Day 2029
- Monday 12 March 2029Event date
Mauritius National Day 2030
- Tuesday 12 March 2030Event date