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Mark your calendars for March 12, because it's time to celebrate Independence Day Mauritius! This day marks the anniversary of when Mauritius gained its independence from British rule in 1968. It's a time for the nation to come together and commemorate their freedom with parades, cultural performances, and delicious food. Did you know that Mauritius is known as the "Star and Key of the Indian Ocean" due to its strategic location? And it's not just a beautiful island – it also has a rich history and diverse culture that make it a truly unique place. So let's join in on the festivities and celebrate all that makes Mauritius special on this joyous day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1598</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mauritius Discovered by Dutch</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Dutch became the first to establish a base on the uninhabited island, which they named Mauritius after Prince Maurice Van Nassau.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1715</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>French Occupation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The island was taken over by the French who renamed it Isle de France.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1810</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>British Rule Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The British captured the island, reinstating its former name, Mauritius.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1835</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Abolition of Slavery</div><div class='timeline-text'>The British abolished slavery in Mauritius, leading to an influx of indentured laborers from India.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1965</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Chagos Archipelago Separation</div><div class='timeline-text'>UK separated the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius to form British Indian Ocean Territory.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1968</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Independence Granted</div><div class='timeline-text'>Mauritius gained independence from British rule on March 12 and became a member of the Commonwealth.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a flag-raising ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Kick off Independence Day by attending a flag-raising ceremony in your local community. This is a great way to start the day and show your pride for your country's independence.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate your home with national colors</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get in the festive spirit by decorating your home with the national colors of Mauritius: blue, yellow, red, and green. Hang up flags, banners, and other decorations to show your patriotism.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities in Mauritius hold cultural parades on Independence Day, featuring traditional music, dances, and costumes. Attend one of these parades to learn more about the culture and history of your country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a traditional Mauritian BBQ</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family for a traditional Mauritian BBQ, featuring delicious local dishes and drinks. This is a great way to celebrate with loved ones and enjoy some tasty food.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a fireworks display</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities in Mauritius put on spectacular fireworks displays on Independence Day. Find out where the nearest one is and gather with friends and family to watch and celebrate together.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of a nation's independence</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Independence Day Mauritius is a time to honor the people who have fought for freedom and independence. It's an opportunity to remember and appreciate the sacrifices that were made to gain sovereignty, and to celebrate the unity and strength of the nation as a whole.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>The festivities and traditions are colorful and exciting</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Independence Day Mauritius is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and traditional music and dancing. The streets are filled with vibrant colors, costumes, and festive decorations, making it a truly joyous occasion. There are also food fairs featuring local dishes and cultural activities to enjoy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together in a spirit of patriotism</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Independence Day Mauritius is a unifying event that brings people from all walks of life together. It's a time to celebrate national identity and pride, and to reflect on the country's history and future. The sense of unity and patriotism during this holiday is truly special and heartwarming.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Mauritius' Multilingual National Anthem</h3><p class='facts-content'>The national anthem of Mauritius, "Motherland", is sung in English, but you might hear others singing in Creole, Bhojpuri, French or other languages, reflecting the nation's cultural diversity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Independence Day is Also Republic Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Independence Day also marks the day Mauritius became a republic within the Commonwealth, which happened on the same day in 1992.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>First Prime Minister Led the Country towards Independence</h3><p class='facts-content'>Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Mauritius' first prime minister, played a pivotal role in leading the nation to independence, and his legacy is honored during Independence Day celebrations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>First Independence Day Parade Celebrated with British Monarch</h3><p class='facts-content'>The first Independence Day parade in Mauritius was officiated by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, representing the British monarchy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Flag Hoisting Ceremony is a Central Tradition</h3><p class='facts-content'>The flag hoisting ceremony at the Champ de Mars in Port Louis is a central Independence Day tradition, symbolizing the nation's rise to sovereignty and independence.</p></div></div>
Independence Day Mauritius is celebrated on March 12 every year. In 2024, Independence Day Mauritius will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Mar 12
Sunday
2024
Mar 12
Tuesday
2025
Mar 12
Wednesday
2026
Mar 12
Thursday
2027
Mar 12
Friday
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