| Over half the population of Mauritius is Hindu
and roughly another fifth is Muslim; both groups descend from
labourers brought to the island by the British to work the cane
fields. While some of the resident Chinese and Sino-Mauritians
were also brought over as labourers, most came to Mauritius
as entrepreneurs, and many still control the lion's share of
village-based commerce. The remaining population is composed
mainly of Créoles, descendants of African slaves, and
Franco-Mauritians, the original settlers of the island. Franco-Mauritians,
who make up about 2% of the population, still control many of
the sugar plantations, although many emigrated to South Africa
and France following independence.
English is the official language of the island, though you're
bound to hear French, Créole (a melange of French and
various African dialects) and a smattering of Indian languages.
The island's main contribution to the performing arts is the
Créole séga, a foot-shuffling, body-gyrating,
downright erotic dance that's generally performed on the beach
to the rhythm of Latin American, Caribbean and African pop.
Séga variations to Créole music are popular
in the island's discos and are certainly more entertaining
than the well-choreographed 'cultural shows' you'll see in
hotel lounges.
Probably the most famous novel set in Mauritius is Paul et
Virginie, a rather sappy love story by French author Bernadin
de St Pierre that you'll find reference to across the island.
Famous Mauritian authors include Malcom de Chazal, Robert
Edward Hart, Edouard Maunick, the brothers Loys and André
Masson and humourist Yvan Lagesse. René Asgarally and
Ramesh Ramdoyal are the best known of the contemporary writers
producing works in Créole. Both Joseph Conrad and Mark
Twain visited the island and wrote of their experiences, and
Charles Baudelaire's very first poem, A une Dame Créole
(To a Créole Woman), was written in the Mauritian town
of Pamplemousses.
One highlight of a visit to Mauritius is the magnificent
mixture of cuisines on offer. The most common varieties are
Créole, European, Chinese and Indian, with seafood
almost always the specialty. In addition, a typical Mauritian
buffet might include a Muslim biryani, Indian chicken curry,
Chinese pork dish, Créole roast beef and French-style
vegetables. Boiled rice is served with just about everything.
Common dishes include rougaille, a Mediterranean dish of tomatoes,
onions, garlic and any kind of meat or fish, and daube, an
octopus stew. Favorite local beverages includes lassi, a refreshing
yogurt and ice-water drink, and alouda, a syrupy brew of agar,
milk and flavourings that's available everywhere from streetside
vendors. Locally produced beer and rum are potent, plentiful
and cheap; wines are expensive and usually imported from France
or South Africa.
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