Mauritius National Day

Mauritius National Day

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  1. 1810Britain takes Mauritius from France during Napoleonic wars
  2. 1968Mauritius gains independence from Britain
  3. 1992Mauritius becomes a republic within the Commonwealth

The story behind the 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.

  1. 202612 March 2026 · Thursday
  2. 202712 March 2027 · Friday
  3. 202812 March 2028 · Sunday
The Mauritian flag

The Mauritian flag has four horizontal bands of red, blue, yellow and green. Red represents the struggle for freedom, blue the Indian Ocean, yellow the light of independence and green the island's agriculture and vegetation. The four-colour flag is often called the Four Bands.

Mauritian food is creole, Indian, Chinese, French and island-grown. Curries, noodles, seafood, chilli cakes and tropical fruit make celebrations vivid and varied.

What to eat

Dholl puriSplit-pea flatbread filled with curry, rougaille and chilli sauce.
BiryaniFragrant rice with meat, potatoes and spices, common at celebrations.
Mine fritFried noodles with vegetables, egg and meat or seafood.
Gateaux pimentsFried split-pea chilli cakes sold as snacks across the island.
Rougaille poissonFish cooked in tomato, garlic, thyme and chilli sauce.
AloudaSweet milk drink with basil seeds and jelly, often sold at markets.

What to drink

Mauritian rumSugarcane rum reflects the island's plantation history and modern distilleries.
Phoenix beerLocal lager commonly served cold at beach and family gatherings.
Vanilla teaTea flavoured with vanilla from island plantations and gardens.
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Mauritius culture

Mauritius culture is proudly mixed: sega, Bhojpuri songs, Tamil temples, Chinese festivals, Catholic processions and creole language all sit together in public life.

Sega musicUNESCO-listed sega uses ravanne drums, dance and creole lyrics.
Aapravasi GhatThe immigration depot records the history of indentured labour.
Port Louis ceremonyThe capital hosts official flag-raising and National Day events.
Beach gatheringsFamilies often turn the public holiday into seaside picnics and music.