Colors of Belle Mare - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The locals' mindset is a bizarre mixture of British, French, Indian, Chinese and African characters. Having taken some restraint from the British and emotionality from the French, they appear before the tourists' eyes as very sympathetic, friendly, open, smiling, but quite rational and realistic personalities. They manage their time wisely, always ready to help - but only if they can. They clearly know their capabilities and try not to jump above their heads. They help not only fellow countrymen but also foreign travelers who've decided to visit the island, having no prejudices towards them.

The natives are very curious and never hesitate to ask people about something they are really interested in. There are no any forbidden topics like financial standing or religion issues. This should be taken into account by those who might find such questions tactless - it's not uncommon here. Local residents are tolerant, otherwise, it would be hard to imagine such a diversity of cultures woven together. The main value for local residents is, of course, the family. It is important for them that their relatives and friends are happy and satisfied - both materially and spiritually. When it comes to local dishes, be sure to try bullet soup, "Victoria" pineapples (unlike the traditional ones, they're small and very sweet), noodles, and, of course, rum and tea.

The official language on the island is English. Despite this, most locals speak French and Creole quite well. At the same time, English alone is enough so that locals could understand travelers - everybody is good at this language. You should be prepared for the fact that the residents of Bel Mar may seem very slow. Sometimes this fact shocks those who come here to do business. The thing is that they know how to appreciate every moment and try to spend time only on something bringing joy. Simple sweets of life like a coffee-break with a croissant - what could be better? And only after that you start working. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

And since such a variety of cultures can be observed in the city, holidays held here can also be said to be "mixed". Many of them are of a religious nature - whether they're Muslim, Christian, Hindu or Chinese. Widely celebrated Catholic holidays include Christmas and the New Year, Father Laval's Day, as well as All Souls' Day (November 2). These celebrations are a reminder that once there was Eden on Earth. It is quite possible that it was in Mauritius — and everyone who's visiting Bel Mar during the celebration of Christmas and New Year will see it for themselves. On All Souls' Day, local residents pray for the souls of their ancestors.

Hindu holidays including Thaipusam Kavadi, Diwali, and Maha Shivaratri are often celebrated here. Kawadi is the name of a wooden arch, on which bowls made of plastic, metal or wood with sacred drinks - mostly milk - are hung. They are adorned with flowers, hung on the arch, and people carry pots to the nearest statue of Murugan, the son of Shiva and Parvati. You can watch such a famous spectacle as walking on coals. Before the holiday, believers observe the 9-day fast and spend time in prayers. The celebration time is the end of January or the beginning of February.

Shivaratri is a holiday dedicated to the god of destruction Shiva. Its celebration begins in late February or early March. During the year, local residents make a pilgrimage to the sacred lake also called Ganga Talao. After that, the sacred water is stored in a container until the moment when Mahashivaratri comes, and then the sacred water from the lake is poured on the nearest image of Shiva in Bel Mar. In the morning, all believers are washed by this water. At this time there is a fair where you can find some very interesting souvenirs.

Diwali is a festival of lights, one of the brightest celebrations on the island. This celebration is worth attending, the holiday is really picturesque. The festival falls on the end of October or the beginning of November. During this period, Belle Mar looks like a city lit by thousands of Suns where people light multi-colored candles, lamps, flashlights in houses and temples. The event is celebrated in honor of Lakshmi who should be freed from the tenacious claws of the demon king, all believers pray to the goddess. And at night, doors are opened in all houses so that the goddess could enter the house and bless the owners.

Ramadan and Muharram are widely celebrated by local Muslims. Ramadan is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar, during which a strict fast is observed. Muharram is the first month in the Islamic calendar, i.e. the Islamic New Year. The event is celebrated in memory of Imam Hussein and includes prayers, however, the most vivid parades take place in the capital of Mauritius. In Belle Mare, the holiday passes quite calmly.

The Chinese Diaspora celebrates the Chinese New Year also known as the Spring Festival. In order to celebrate it, the locals set a table full of rich foods, to which all relatives are invited. Sounds of exploding firecrackers can be heard everywhere — it is believed that evil demons are afraid of these sounds and stop the persecution of mere mortals. In addition, worship services and sacrifices are held in the temples, and dragon parades take place on the streets. This is a very colorful spectacle, and tourists who're lucky enough to visit Bel Mar during this celebration will surely be impressed.

Festival Culinaire Bernard Loiseau is something extraordinary for Belle Mare. It is held on Constance Belle Mare Plage in late March. The entertainment program includes competitions among the best chefs arriving from all over the world. Everybody wants to be in the jury's place to evaluate fine dishes. There is also wine tasting. Restaurants join the celebration, and this time is ideal to get acquainted with the rich culinary traditions of Belle Mare and Mauritius.