As Easter approaches, Mauritius gears up for a particularly joyful time. This island celebration transcends religious significance, weaving together spirituality, culinary indulgence, and the magnetic pull of family gatherings. For expatriates eager to experience Easter through a different lens, Mauritius offers a singular blend of faith, flavours, and festivity.
Sunny Easter: What's the weather like in Mauritius around Easter?
While Easter heralds springtime renewal in the Northern Hemisphere, in Mauritius it arrives amid the golden hues of the southern autumn. April here remains sultry, with daytime temperatures lingering between 24°C and 30°C. Tropical showers may pass through, but rarely linger long, skies often return swiftly to radiant blue.
In 2025, Good Friday falls on April 18, followed by Easter Sunday on April 20. Notably, Easter Monday is not a public holiday on the island, though many Mauritians and expats alike extend the merriment with beachfront picnics or long, leisurely meals.
Easter masses for expats
For many expatriates, attending Holy Week services preserves a sense of continuity with home traditions while opening the door to Mauritius's unique religious ambiance. Local churches fill with worshippers as Easter nears, with the Triduum, the three-day liturgical climax, marking a profound spiritual crescendo.
Masses are commonly conducted in French or Creole. To ensure accuracy, expats are encouraged to contact their parish directly for English-language service times. Holy Week liturgies run from Maundy Thursday through Easter Sunday, often culminating in an open-air vigil with the traditional blessing of the Easter fire, a poignant, flickering spectacle that can stretch up to three hours.
English-language masses in Mauritius
For those seeking services in English, there is a consistent calendar which you will find below. However, with regards to the Easter mass, you will have to get in touch with the parishes in Grand-Baie, Tamarin, Pamplemousses, Flic en Flac and Rose-hill to find out about services.
1st Sunday of each month
• 10:00 AM – Holy Angels Chapel, Grand Baie
• 6:00 PM – St. Benoît Chapel, Tamarin2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays
• 11:00 AM – St. Francis of Assisi, Pamplemousses3rd Saturday
• 5:00 PM – St. Marc Chapel, Flic en FlacEvery Saturday
• 6:00 PM – St. Joseph Chapel, Rose Hill
Mass schedules may shift unexpectedly: check the before attending.
Where to find chocolate in Mauritius for Easter?
Chocolate remains a hallmark of the season. For those craving European-style Easter delights, several artisans transform cocoa into edible art.
In Calebasses, Van Ann Ltd. crafts elegant, hand-decorated chocolates. Their 2025 Easter collection reimagines traditional eggs with nods to local culture and island scenery, fusing artistry and flavour.
Sweet Spot, nestled in Quatre Bornes, offers not only exquisite handmade bonbons but also chocolate eggs infused with ganache scented with local spiced rum, a decadent twist on tradition.
Out west in Tamarin, Cocoa Crafters delights gourmands with premium creations using local ingredients like cane sugar and Mauritian vanilla. Their Easter eggs are a sensory journey steeped in island identity.
For last-minute shoppers or more modest budgets, supermarkets like Winners and Super U import European brands, Belgian, French, Swiss, helping recreate familiar rituals with a Mauritian flair.
Markets & events: The Easter rush
In the lead-up to Easter, the island hums with markets and pop-up events. One standout is the Miss Daisy Easter Market in Rose Hill. On April 6, 2025, from 10 AM to 3 PM, local artisans and designers will showcase seasonal wares in a convivial atmosphere.
Expect to find beauty brands like Aphrodite Boutik, known for their natural skincare, alongside crafters offering bespoke Easter-themed creations. Free entry and a family-friendly setting make this market a magnet for curious expats and locals alike.
Beach picnics: A Mauritian Easter ritual
To experience Easter like a true islander, the Easter Monday beach picnic is non-negotiable. Rooted in local tradition, this day transforms shorelines into bustling, open-air feasts.
From dawn, families descend on beaches like Flic en Flac and Belle Mare, setting up full-fledged campsites, tables, parasols, portable stoves, and coolers in tow. The logistical prowess is awe-inspiring.
At the heart of it all: food. Giant pots simmer salmi, a fragrant stew, while crispy gajacks (Mauritian snacks) circulate. Adults toast the end of Lent with rum or beer; children dive into the sea or launch football games on the sand.
Newcomers are encouraged to arrive early, pack generously, and embrace the laid-back spirit. Exchange greetings with neighbouring groups, you might just get an invite to share a bite of biryani.
Seeking quieter sands? Head to Pointe d'Esny or Blue Bay, where traditions persist in a more tranquil setting.
What do Mauritians eat for Easter?
Mauritian Easter cuisine mirrors the island's multicultural soul. Following the rigours of Lent, the Easter meal is a celebration of flavour and renewal.
In Creole households, curry, a richly spiced meat dish, is the centrepiece, often paired with aromatic rice and tangy chutneys reflecting deep Indian influences.
No celebration is complete without sweets. The gâteau napolitain, with its tricolour layers of pink, green, and white, is a visual and gustatory staple, its buttery texture perfect for post-meal tea.
For those who'd rather savour than cook, several restaurants curate Easter menus. La Table du Château at Domaine de Labourdonnais offers an upscale tasting journey, where European classics intertwine with Mauritian zest, bolstered by thoughtful wine pairings.
In Moka, L'Escale Créole provides a rustic, authentic alternative, serving heirloom recipes passed down generations. Reservations are essential, as this culinary gem attracts devoted patrons.
Meanwhile, Le Fangourin in Pamplemousses offers a bucolic brunch framed by colonial elegance, with a menu championing local produce and laid-back luxury.
Easter activities for families
Families with children won't be short of Easter fun. Resorts and venues across Mauritius roll out imaginative programs, often open to non-residents.
The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa transforms its gardens into adventure zones, hosting elaborate egg hunts, egg-painting workshops, and pastry masterclasses. Afternoon tea features crêpes and festive treats in a setting that blends indulgence and play.
For a cultural twist, Domaine des Aubineaux in Curepipe welcomes families to an Easter brunch followed by egg hunts amidst historic colonial gardens.
Nature lovers can head to Casela Nature Parks, which offers animal encounters and themed creative sessions, a unique, eco-friendly take on Easter traditions.
Easter in Mauritius: A cultural Mosaic
Easter in Mauritius is more than a holiday; it's a vibrant intersection of faith, food, and fellowship. For expatriates, it's an opportunity to intertwine familiar traditions with local customs in ways that resonate deeply.
Whether attending mass in a sunlit chapel, indulging in chocolate-laced delicacies, or joining the rhythmic rituals of beachside revelry, every moment becomes a step toward cultural immersion. Children, ever adaptable, absorb these new customs with ease, blending identities and forging fresh memories.
In Mauritius, Easter is not just observed. It is lived joyfully, generously, and with an unmistakable island spirit.
