Mauritius, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) off the south-east coast of the African continent. The islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues form part of the Mascarene Islands, along with nearby Réunion. The capital and largest city, Port Louis, is located on Mauritius, where most of the population is concentrated. The country spans 2,040 square kilometres (790 sq mi) and has an Exclusive Economic Zone covering 2.3 million square kilometres.
Local Crafts
The most famous local craft in Mauritius is woodcraft where model ships are built in workshops all over the island. This production comes from the French Raphael Touze who, seduced by the craftsmanship of Mauritian wood, decided to explore this branch. The most used woods are, on the other hand, rosewood, teak and ebony.
In addition, in local markets and shops, travellers have the pleasure of being able to buy typical products such as rum, volcanic stone boxes, embroidery, clothes and baskets made of vacoas fiber, raffia, aloe or bamboo.
Tradition
Like everywhere in the world, Mauritius has its own traditions. The “Sundowner” – literally the “sunset” – is a traditional weekend and holiday ritual during which the Mauritians meet on the beach to enjoy the last rays of the sun: a very pleasant moment, especially in summer.
Otherwise, every year, Mauritius organises the traditional event, sports, cultural and eco-responsible Mauritius: the Regatta. Fishermen embark on their regatta canoe, made of meranti wood or black wood and repainted for the occasion.
Traditional Clothing
Traditional clothes are saris and churidaars. Most people wear them on special occasions and some wear them daily.
Worn by many Mauritian women in the village areas of the paradise island, the sari is a strong symbol of the Mauritian culture.
Unlike the Japanese kimono, the sari is not restricted to social occasions or aristocratic use. It is worn every day on any occasion.
The sari while stilled worn by sugar cane field workers in the least developed parts of the island is used on more important occasions by women of a higher social rank who prefer a more European style of clothing over this one. With a population of over 50% hindus, some 15% muslims and a good 25% roman catholics, most revealing clothing away from the beach will be frowned upon; sometimes in silence, sometimes out loud, and religion plays a big part in how to dress and how not to.
Sari dressed women in Goodlands
Article by Harshika sapra
Bibliography
traveltalesfromindia.in
www.countryreports.org
https://en.wikipedia.org
