The Cultural Similarities and Differences among The Indo-Mauritians, Creoles, and Sino-Mauritians
We’ll begin with the Indo-Mauritians. About 68% of Mauritius’s population identifies as being of Indian origin. They trace their lineage back to indentured workers from India who were transported to Mauritius in the 19th century. There is a long and storied history to the Indo-Mauritians’ culture, most of it stems from Indian customs and practices. Diwali, Holi, and Eid are also celebrated, and the cuisine also takes cues from Indian cooking.
Next, I’d like to talk about the Creoles, who, at about 27% of the total population, make up the second largest ethnic group in Mauritius. All of these people trace their ancestry back to the colonial era of Mauritius, when African slaves and European immigrants settled on the island. The Creoles have their own distinct culture due to the fusion of African, European, and Indian elements. In addition to a cuisine that combines influences from Africa, India, and Europe, they also celebrate festivals like Cavadee and Thaipoosam.
Furthermore, the 3% or so of Mauritius’s people that identify as Sino-Mauritians are the smallest ethnic minority on the island. They are descended from the many Chinese who settled in Mauritius in the nineteenth century. The culture of China has had a profound impact on the history and customs of the Sino-Mauritians. Both their cultural practices and culinary traditions are greatly impacted by China, with events like Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival being widely celebrated.
In terms of shared cultural practices, all three of Mauritius’s official ethnic groups have a deep appreciation for song and dance. All three demographics show strong support for the indigenous Mauritian music style known as sega. Independence Day and Republic Day are two more national holidays that all three communities observe.
The three groups share certain commonalities, but they also have some distinct cultural variances. Creoles, on the other hand, are noted for their extroverted and pleasant temperament, in contrast to the Indo-Mauritians and Sino-Mauritians, who are more quiet and formal in their dealings. The Indo-Mauritians and the Sino-Mauritians, on the other hand, are more likely to value academic success, while the Creoles are more likely to value artistic expression and creative freedom.
Finally, the Indo-Mauritians, Creoles, and Sino-Mauritians of Mauritius are three separate ethnic groups, each with its own distinct cultural legacy. Some practices, traditions, and ideals are shared by all three groups, while others stand out as significantly different. Recognizing these shared and distinctive features is essential to fully comprehending Mauritius’s unique cultural landscape.
