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<!DOCTYPE html> <html class="no-js" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en" dir="ltr"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8">  <title>What you need to know about Chinese New Year celebrations in Mauritius</title> <meta property="og:title" content="What you need to know about Chinese New Year celebrations in Mauritius"/> <meta name="description" content="The Chinese New Year officially starts on the 12th of February. Here is how this day is celebrated by Sino-Mauritians." /> <meta property="og:description" content="The Chinese New Year officially starts on the 12th of February. 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Here is how this day is celebrated by Sino-Mauritians.\r\n","articleBody":"<p dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">Mauritius has an important community of citizens of Chinese origins, approximately 3% of the population. And Sino-Mauritians are very much attached to the Chinese traditions, and especially the celebration of the Chinese New Year which is the biggest celebration of this community on the island. The Chinese New Year depends on the lunar calendar instead of the Gregorian Calendar.<\/span><\/p><div class=\"banner-partner banner-partner--guide\">\n <span class=\"banner-partner__title\">Read also<\/span>\n <a href=\"\/en\/expat-mag\/11337-interview-the-journey-of-a-digital-expert-from-france-to-mauritius.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"banner-partner__description\">From Annecy to Mauritius: Meet Lionel, a digital expert<\/a>\n <\/div><h2 dir=\"ltr\" id=\"how-is-the-chinese-new-year-0\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">How is the Chinese New Year celebrated in Mauritius?<\/span><\/h2><p dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">Chinese New Year in Mauritius is synonymous with family reunion, food and, for the youngest, partying. The celebrations often begin the day before with an oppulent family dinner. For this occasion, a variety of dishes is displayed on the dining table, particularly meat - pork, beef and the famous  this New Year's Eve, we find a variety of dishes and particularly, meat - pork, beef or the famous Pekin duck.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">While traditionally families would be invited to celebrate at the residence of the oldest members of the family, and this often being the parents, more and more are now opting to meet in restaurants for New Years Eve dinner. In addition, restaurants organize special dinners across the island so that members of the Sino-Mauritian community can meet. After dinner, the youngest often go to nightclubs.<\/span><\/p><div class=\"banner-partner banner-partner--guide\">\n <span class=\"banner-partner__title\">Read also<\/span>\n <a href=\"\/en\/expat-mag\/11379-tips-to-navigate-traffic-for-drivers-in-mauritius-around-maha-shivaratree-pilgrimmage.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"banner-partner__description\">Tips to navigate traffic for drivers in Mauritius around Maha Shivaratree pilgrimmage<\/a>\n <\/div><p dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">It is customary for Sino-Mauritians to distribute “gato lasir” (Editor's note: wax cake - a rice-based candy) to celebrate the New Year. In addition, on the first day of the year, families often visit their local Pagoda to honor their ancestors.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">In the lead-up to the Chinese New Year, don't be surprised if you come face to face with a dragon in the various malls on the island. Indeed, regardless of beliefs, it is customary to have a Dragon dance and sound firecrackers all over the island to chase away evil spirits.<\/span><\/p><div class=\"banner-partner banner-partner--guide\">\n <span class=\"banner-partner__title\">Read also<\/span>\n <a href=\"\/en\/expat-mag\/11344-leadership-and-innovation-interview-of-myriam-blin-head-of-the-charles-telfair-centre.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"banner-partner__description\">Myriam Blin, Head of the Charles Telfair Centre: Championing inclusive leadership and diversity<\/a>\n <\/div><h2 dir=\"ltr\" id=\"where-does-the-tradition-of-1\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">Where does the tradition of the Dragon dance come from?<\/span><\/h2><p dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">The Dragon dance is a special event that you must experience at least once in Mauritius. Disguised as a Dragon, the dancers walk around the place to scare off evil spirits, and in particular that of Nian. According to the legend, the half lion, half bull beast sneaked into villages at night to devour inhabitants. But, the locals managed to get rid of the animal because it was afraid of light, noise and the color red. Thus, the dragon dance, where the dragon is often dressed in red, is practiced at the resounding sound of drums to scare Nian away.<\/span><\/p><h2 dir=\"ltr\" id=\"chinese-astrology-2\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">Chinese astrology<\/span><\/h2><p dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">Like the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese calendar comes with Chinese astrology, which is a bit different. Indeed, your Chinese horoscope corresponds to the year and not to the day of your birth. Twelve signs make up this horoscope. This year is the Year of the Ox. You are of the sign of the buffalo if you were born in 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949 etc.<\/span><\/p>","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","id":"https:\/\/www.expat.com\/en\/expat-mag\/5023-what-you-need-to-know-about-chinese-new-year-celebrations-in-mauritius.html"}} </script>   <script> var dataLayer = [{ 'country': 'Mauritius', 'countryId': '54', 'region': '', 'regionId': '54', 'lang': 'en', 'langId': '0', 'logged': 'No', 'section': 'magazine', 'content_status': '100', 'dynx_itemid': '-2', 'dynx_pagetype': '0', 'dest': 'Mauritius', 'dest2': 'in Mauritius', 'dest3': 'Mauritius', 'dest4': 'africa/mauritius/', 'path': '/en/expat-mag/5023-what-you-need-to-know-about-chinese-new-year-celebrations-in-mauritius.html', 'xp': '-2', 'dieth': '0', 'sponsored': '', 'forumId': '108', 'forumPosted': '', 'buid': '1', 'ntfpSce': '74' }]; </script>  <script> document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { var script = document.createElement('script'); script.src = 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itemprop="name">Expat magazine</span></a><meta itemprop="position" content="2"></li><li>/</li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ListItem"><a href="https://www.expat.com/en/expat-mag/africa/mauritius/" class="breabcrumb-container--list--link" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Mauritius</span></a><meta itemprop="position" content="3"></li></ol></nav><div class="layout-grid--container grid-xs spacing-15 magazine-wrapper" style="--xs:12;--sm:12;--md:12;--lg:12;--rowSpan:1;"><div class="layout-grid--item grid-xs spacing-0" style="--xs:12;--sm:12;--md:8;--lg:8;--rowSpan:1;"><div class="article-section-title" id="section-annonce" data-internal-link-image="https://www.expat.com/images/upload/5/0/1/3/1612420994-chinese-new-year-news_item_slider-t1612420994.jpg"><h1 class="article-section-title--title">What you need to know about Chinese New Year celebrations in Mauritius</h1></div><div class="article-section-tags"><span class="article-section-title--tag"><a href="/en/expat-mag/africa/mauritius/t-1-news/" class="article-section-title--tag--link">Expat news</a></span></div><article class="article-content"><div class="article-content--img-wrapper"><img src="https://www.expat.com/images/upload/5/0/1/3/1612420994-chinese-new-year-news_item_slider-t1612420994.jpg" alt="" width="100%" height="375" class="article-content--img-wrapper--img"><div class="article-content--img-wrapper--credit">Image by Vlad Vasnetsov from Pixabay</div></div><div class="article-content--contributor-wrapper"></div><div class="like-share"><div class="like-share--left"><div class="like-share--left--like"><div class="like-share--left--like--wrapper"><i class="nc-icon-outline ui-2_favourite-28"></i></div></div><div class="like-share--left--comment"><div class="like-share--left--comment--wrapper"><i class="nc-icon-glyph ui-2_chat-content"></i></div></div></div><div class="social-networks"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=" target="_blank"><i class="social-networks--icon"></i></a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=" target="_blank"><i class="social-networks--icon"></i></a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=" target="_blank"><i class="social-networks--icon"></i></a></div></div><div class="article-content--intro"><p dir="ltr"><strong><span id="docs-internal-guid-ae33d64e-7fff-2f70-9366-cb1d20c1225b">The Chinese New Year officially starts on the 12th of February. Here is how this day is celebrated by Sino-Mauritians.</span></strong></p> </div><div id="gpt-ad-7-1" class="ad-container show-xs hidden-sm-up my-large"></div><div id="gpt-ad-7-3" class="ad-container hidden-xs my-large"></div><nav class="table-of-content"><div class="table-of-content--title">In this article</div><ol class="table-of-content--list"><li class="table-of-content--list--item"><span class="table-of-content--list--item--dot">.</span><a href="#how-is-the-chinese-new-year-0" class="table-of-content--list--item--link">How is the Chinese New Year celebrated in Mauritius?</a></li><li class="table-of-content--list--item"><span class="table-of-content--list--item--dot">.</span><a href="#where-does-the-tradition-of-1" class="table-of-content--list--item--link">Where does the tradition of the Dragon dance come from?</a></li><li class="table-of-content--list--item"><span class="table-of-content--list--item--dot">.</span><a href="#chinese-astrology-2" class="table-of-content--list--item--link">Chinese astrology</a></li></ol></nav><div class="article-content--content"><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac">Mauritius has an important community of citizens of Chinese origins, approximately 3% of the population. And Sino-Mauritians are very much attached to the Chinese traditions, and especially the celebration of the Chinese New Year which is the biggest celebration of this community on the island. The Chinese New Year depends on the lunar calendar instead of the Gregorian Calendar.</span></p><div class="banner-partner banner-partner--guide"> <span class="banner-partner__title">Read also</span> <a href="/en/expat-mag/11337-interview-the-journey-of-a-digital-expert-from-france-to-mauritius.html" target="_blank" class="banner-partner__description">From Annecy to Mauritius: Meet Lionel, a digital expert</a> </div><h2 dir="ltr" id="how-is-the-chinese-new-year-0"><span id="docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac">How is the Chinese New Year celebrated in Mauritius?</span></h2><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac">Chinese New Year in Mauritius is synonymous with family reunion, food and, for the youngest, partying. The celebrations often begin the day before with an oppulent family dinner. For this occasion, a variety of dishes is displayed on the dining table, particularly meat - pork, beef and the famous this New Year's Eve, we find a variety of dishes and particularly, meat - pork, beef or the famous Pekin duck.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac">While traditionally families would be invited to celebrate at the residence of the oldest members of the family, and this often being the parents, more and more are now opting to meet in restaurants for New Years Eve dinner. In addition, restaurants organize special dinners across the island so that members of the Sino-Mauritian community can meet. After dinner, the youngest often go to nightclubs.</span></p><div class="banner-partner banner-partner--guide"> <span class="banner-partner__title">Read also</span> <a href="/en/expat-mag/11379-tips-to-navigate-traffic-for-drivers-in-mauritius-around-maha-shivaratree-pilgrimmage.html" target="_blank" class="banner-partner__description">Tips to navigate traffic for drivers in Mauritius around Maha Shivaratree pilgrimmage</a> </div><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac">It is customary for Sino-Mauritians to distribute “gato lasir” (Editor's note: wax cake - a rice-based candy) to celebrate the New Year. In addition, on the first day of the year, families often visit their local Pagoda to honor their ancestors.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac">In the lead-up to the Chinese New Year, don't be surprised if you come face to face with a dragon in the various malls on the island. Indeed, regardless of beliefs, it is customary to have a Dragon dance and sound firecrackers all over the island to chase away evil spirits.</span></p><div class="banner-partner banner-partner--guide"> <span class="banner-partner__title">Read also</span> <a href="/en/expat-mag/11344-leadership-and-innovation-interview-of-myriam-blin-head-of-the-charles-telfair-centre.html" target="_blank" class="banner-partner__description">Myriam Blin, Head of the Charles Telfair Centre: Championing inclusive leadership and diversity</a> </div><h2 dir="ltr" id="where-does-the-tradition-of-1"><span id="docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac">Where does the tradition of the Dragon dance come from?</span></h2><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac">The Dragon dance is a special event that you must experience at least once in Mauritius. Disguised as a Dragon, the dancers walk around the place to scare off evil spirits, and in particular that of Nian. According to the legend, the half lion, half bull beast sneaked into villages at night to devour inhabitants. But, the locals managed to get rid of the animal because it was afraid of light, noise and the color red. Thus, the dragon dance, where the dragon is often dressed in red, is practiced at the resounding sound of drums to scare Nian away.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr" id="chinese-astrology-2"><span id="docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac">Chinese astrology</span></h2><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac">Like the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese calendar comes with Chinese astrology, which is a bit different. Indeed, your Chinese horoscope corresponds to the year and not to the day of your birth. Twelve signs make up this horoscope. This year is the Year of the Ox. You are of the sign of the buffalo if you were born in 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949 etc.</span></p></div><div class="tags-wrapper"><div class="default-tag">Mauritius </div></div><div class="like-share"><div class="like-share--left"><div class="like-share--left--like"><div class="like-share--left--like--wrapper"><i class="nc-icon-outline ui-2_favourite-28"></i></div></div><div class="like-share--left--comment"><div class="like-share--left--comment--wrapper"><i class="nc-icon-glyph ui-2_chat-content"></i></div></div></div><div class="social-networks"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=" target="_blank"><i class="social-networks--icon"></i></a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=" target="_blank"><i class="social-networks--icon"></i></a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=" target="_blank"><i class="social-networks--icon"></i></a></div></div></article><div><h3 class="typography typography--dark-blue typography--normal typography--bold">Comments</h3></div></div><div class="layout-grid--item grid-xs spacing-0" style="--xs:12;--sm:12;--md:4;--lg:4;--rowSpan:1;"><div class="sticky-scroll"><div id="gpt-ad-7-2" class="ad-container my-medium hidden-sm"></div></div></div></div><div class="block-guides"><h3 class="typography typography--dark-blue typography--normal typography--regular">More articles</h3><ul class="block-guides--list"><li class="block-guides--list--item"><div class="card-guide"><a href="/en/expat-mag/11377-mauritius-weekly-highlights-vigimobile-an-app-to-monitor-drug-side-effects.html" class="card-guide--img-wrapper"><img src="https://www.expat.com/images/upload/1/1/3/7/6/1740037376-drug-vigilance-news_item_related_300-t1740037376.jpg" alt="Mauritius weekly highlights: VigiMobile, an app to monitor drug side effects" class="card-guide--img-wrapper--image" width="250" height="125" loading="lazy"></a><div class="card-guide--content"><a href="/en/expat-mag/11377-mauritius-weekly-highlights-vigimobile-an-app-to-monitor-drug-side-effects.html" class="card-guide--content--title">Mauritius weekly highlights: VigiMobile, an app to monitor drug side effects</a><p class="card-guide--content--excerpt">This week, advancements in pharmacovigilance through the VigiMobile tool take center stage in ...</p></div></div></li><li class="block-guides--list--item"><div class="card-guide"><a href="/en/expat-mag/11364-understanding-the-reintroduction-of-the-penalty-point-system-in-mauritius.html" class="card-guide--img-wrapper"><img src="https://www.expat.com/images/upload/1/1/3/6/3/1739519232-conduite-a-maurice-news_item_related_300-t1739519232.jpg" alt="Mauritius to reintroduce Penalty Point System to ensure road safety" class="card-guide--img-wrapper--image" width="250" height="125" loading="lazy"></a><div class="card-guide--content"><a href="/en/expat-mag/11364-understanding-the-reintroduction-of-the-penalty-point-system-in-mauritius.html" class="card-guide--content--title">Mauritius to reintroduce Penalty Point System to ensure road safety</a><p class="card-guide--content--excerpt">Mauritius grapples with significant road safety challenges that affect both residents and visitors. ...</p></div></div></li><li class="block-guides--list--item"><div class="card-guide"><a href="/en/expat-mag/11342-mauritius-weekly-news-water-shortage-energy-conservation-scam-alerts-and-religious-festivities.html" class="card-guide--img-wrapper"><img src="https://www.expat.com/images/upload/1/1/3/4/1/1738840624-energy-mauritius-news_item_related_300-t1738840624.jpg" alt="Mauritius weekly news: Water shortage, energy conservation, scam alerts, and religious festivities" class="card-guide--img-wrapper--image" width="250" height="125" loading="lazy"></a><div class="card-guide--content"><a href="/en/expat-mag/11342-mauritius-weekly-news-water-shortage-energy-conservation-scam-alerts-and-religious-festivities.html" class="card-guide--content--title">Mauritius weekly news: Water shortage, energy conservation, scam alerts, and religious festivities</a><p class="card-guide--content--excerpt">This week, Mauritius grapples with pressing challenges on multiple fronts. 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Recent efforts by government ...</p></div></div></li></ul><a href="/en/expat-mag/africa/mauritius/" class="block-guides--view-more">View all articles</a></div><div class="block-guides"><h3 class="typography typography--dark-blue typography--normal typography--regular">Articles to help you in your expat project in Mauritius</h3><ul class="block-guides--list"><li class="block-guides--list--item"><div class="card-guide"><a href="https://www.expat.com/en/guide/africa/mauritius/17733-driver-s-licence-in-mauritius.html" class="card-guide--img-wrapper"><img src="https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1559913666-conduire-uk-v8_guide_block-t1559913666.jpg" alt="Driver's licence in Mauritius" class="card-guide--img-wrapper--image" width="250" height="125" loading="lazy"></a><div class="card-guide--content"><a href="https://www.expat.com/en/guide/africa/mauritius/17733-driver-s-licence-in-mauritius.html" class="card-guide--content--title">Driver's licence in Mauritius</a><p class="card-guide--content--excerpt">Mauritius has a well-developed public transport network, although the frequency and working hours might not work ...</p></div></div></li><li class="block-guides--list--item"><div class="card-guide"><a href="https://www.expat.com/en/guide/africa/mauritius/137-emergency-numbers-in-mauritius.html" class="card-guide--img-wrapper"><img src="https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1560838875-emergency-numbers-mauritius-v8_guide_block-t1560838875.jpg" alt="Emergency numbers in Mauritius" class="card-guide--img-wrapper--image" width="250" height="125" loading="lazy"></a><div class="card-guide--content"><a href="https://www.expat.com/en/guide/africa/mauritius/137-emergency-numbers-in-mauritius.html" class="card-guide--content--title">Emergency numbers in Mauritius</a><p class="card-guide--content--excerpt">The list below contains emergency numbers in Mauritius, should you be in need for assistance at any ...</p></div></div></li><li class="block-guides--list--item"><div class="card-guide"><a href="https://www.expat.com/en/guide/africa/mauritius/128-opening-a-bank-account-in-mauritius.html" class="card-guide--img-wrapper"><img src="https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1566212497-bank-fp-v8_guide_block-t1566212497.jpg" alt="Banking services in Mauritius" class="card-guide--img-wrapper--image" width="250" height="125" loading="lazy"></a><div class="card-guide--content"><a href="https://www.expat.com/en/guide/africa/mauritius/128-opening-a-bank-account-in-mauritius.html" class="card-guide--content--title">Banking services in Mauritius</a><p class="card-guide--content--excerpt">Opening a bank account in Mauritius can help you in many ways, including receiving your salary, paying your ...</p></div></div></li><li class="block-guides--list--item"><div class="card-guide"><a href="https://www.expat.com/en/guide/africa/mauritius/136-health-in-mauritius.html" class="card-guide--img-wrapper"><img src="https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1566212558-healthcare-paraguay-v8_guide_block-t1566212558.jpg" alt="The health system in Mauritius" class="card-guide--img-wrapper--image" width="250" height="125" loading="lazy"></a><div class="card-guide--content"><a href="https://www.expat.com/en/guide/africa/mauritius/136-health-in-mauritius.html" class="card-guide--content--title">The health system in Mauritius</a><p class="card-guide--content--excerpt">Health is a major issue when moving abroad. Are expats eligible for the Mauritian health system? What are the ...</p></div></div></li><li class="block-guides--list--item"><div class="card-guide"><a href="https://www.expat.com/en/guide/africa/mauritius/35381-recommended-doctors-in-mauritius.html" class="card-guide--img-wrapper"><img src="https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1679487590-doctor-v8_guide_block-t1679487590.jpg" alt="Recommended doctors in Mauritius" class="card-guide--img-wrapper--image" width="250" height="125" loading="lazy"></a><div class="card-guide--content"><a href="https://www.expat.com/en/guide/africa/mauritius/35381-recommended-doctors-in-mauritius.html" class="card-guide--content--title">Recommended doctors in Mauritius</a><p class="card-guide--content--excerpt">You might be needing medical assistance during your stay in Mauritius. Expat.com provides you with a list of ...</p></div></div></li><li class="block-guides--list--item"><div class="card-guide"><a href="https://www.expat.com/en/guide/africa/mauritius/118-studying-in-mauritius.html" class="card-guide--img-wrapper"><img src="https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1559913205-student-life-mauritius-v8_guide_block-t1559913205.jpg" alt="Study in Mauritius" class="card-guide--img-wrapper--image" width="250" height="125" loading="lazy"></a><div class="card-guide--content"><a href="https://www.expat.com/en/guide/africa/mauritius/118-studying-in-mauritius.html" class="card-guide--content--title">Study in Mauritius</a><p class="card-guide--content--excerpt">Mauritius is becoming a higher education hub for the region as it offers a great deal of options. Most Mauritian ...</p></div></div></li><li class="block-guides--list--item"><div class="card-guide"><a href="https://www.expat.com/en/guide/africa/mauritius/127-buying-a-property-in--mauritius.html" class="card-guide--img-wrapper"><img src="https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1559913422-buying-property-mauritius-v8_guide_block-t1559913422.jpg" alt="Buying a property in Mauritius" class="card-guide--img-wrapper--image" width="250" height="125" loading="lazy"></a><div class="card-guide--content"><a href="https://www.expat.com/en/guide/africa/mauritius/127-buying-a-property-in--mauritius.html" class="card-guide--content--title">Buying a property in Mauritius</a><p class="card-guide--content--excerpt">The Economic Development Board reminds us that any non-citizen, whether an individual or an investor, is allowed ...</p></div></div></li><li class="block-guides--list--item"><div class="card-guide"><a href="https://www.expat.com/en/guide/africa/mauritius/36128-measurement-units-in-mauritius.html" class="card-guide--img-wrapper"><img src="https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1720276558-measurement-v8_guide_block-t1720276558.jpg" alt="Measurement units in Mauritius" class="card-guide--img-wrapper--image" width="250" height="125" loading="lazy"></a><div class="card-guide--content"><a href="https://www.expat.com/en/guide/africa/mauritius/36128-measurement-units-in-mauritius.html" class="card-guide--content--title">Measurement units in Mauritius</a><p class="card-guide--content--excerpt">Mauritians rarely use square meters. 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You will be redirected to the Mauritius forum in 15 seconds."}}}}; var pageHeader = null; var article = {"id":5023,"title":"What you need to know about Chinese New Year celebrations in Mauritius","introduction":"<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-ae33d64e-7fff-2f70-9366-cb1d20c1225b\">The Chinese New Year officially starts on the 12th of February. Here is how this day is celebrated by Sino-Mauritians.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n","content":"<p dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">Mauritius has an important community of citizens of Chinese origins, approximately 3% of the population. And Sino-Mauritians are very much attached to the Chinese traditions, and especially the celebration of the Chinese New Year which is the biggest celebration of this community on the island. The Chinese New Year depends on the lunar calendar instead of the Gregorian Calendar.<\/span><\/p><div class=\"banner-partner banner-partner--guide\">\n <span class=\"banner-partner__title\">Read also<\/span>\n <a href=\"\/en\/expat-mag\/11337-interview-the-journey-of-a-digital-expert-from-france-to-mauritius.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"banner-partner__description\">From Annecy to Mauritius: Meet Lionel, a digital expert<\/a>\n <\/div><h2 dir=\"ltr\" id=\"how-is-the-chinese-new-year-0\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">How is the Chinese New Year celebrated in Mauritius?<\/span><\/h2><p dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">Chinese New Year in Mauritius is synonymous with family reunion, food and, for the youngest, partying. The celebrations often begin the day before with an oppulent family dinner. For this occasion, a variety of dishes is displayed on the dining table, particularly meat - pork, beef and the famous\u00a0 this New Year's Eve, we find a variety of dishes and particularly, meat - pork, beef or the famous Pekin duck.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">While traditionally families would be invited to celebrate at the residence of the oldest members of the family, and this often being the parents, more and more are now opting to meet in restaurants for New Years Eve dinner. In addition, restaurants organize special dinners across the island so that members of the Sino-Mauritian community can meet. After dinner, the youngest often go to nightclubs.<\/span><\/p><div class=\"banner-partner banner-partner--guide\">\n <span class=\"banner-partner__title\">Read also<\/span>\n <a href=\"\/en\/expat-mag\/11379-tips-to-navigate-traffic-for-drivers-in-mauritius-around-maha-shivaratree-pilgrimmage.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"banner-partner__description\">Tips to navigate traffic for drivers in Mauritius around Maha Shivaratree pilgrimmage<\/a>\n <\/div><p dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">It is customary for Sino-Mauritians to distribute \u201cgato lasir\u201d (Editor's note: wax cake - a rice-based candy) to celebrate the New Year. In addition, on the first day of the year, families often visit their local Pagoda to honor their ancestors.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">In the lead-up to the Chinese New Year, don't be surprised if you come face to face with a dragon in the various malls on the island. Indeed, regardless of beliefs, it is customary to have a Dragon dance and sound firecrackers all over the island to chase away evil spirits.<\/span><\/p><div class=\"banner-partner banner-partner--guide\">\n <span class=\"banner-partner__title\">Read also<\/span>\n <a href=\"\/en\/expat-mag\/11344-leadership-and-innovation-interview-of-myriam-blin-head-of-the-charles-telfair-centre.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"banner-partner__description\">Myriam Blin, Head of the Charles Telfair Centre: Championing inclusive leadership and diversity<\/a>\n <\/div><h2 dir=\"ltr\" id=\"where-does-the-tradition-of-1\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">Where does the tradition of the Dragon dance come from?<\/span><\/h2><p dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">The Dragon dance is a special event that you must experience at least once in Mauritius. Disguised as a Dragon, the dancers walk around the place to scare off evil spirits, and in particular that of Nian. According to the legend, the half lion, half bull beast sneaked into villages at night to devour inhabitants. But, the locals managed to get rid of the animal because it was afraid of light, noise and the color red. Thus, the dragon dance, where the dragon is often dressed in red, is practiced at the resounding sound of drums to scare Nian away.<\/span><\/p><h2 dir=\"ltr\" id=\"chinese-astrology-2\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">Chinese astrology<\/span><\/h2><p dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-74e4e4c2-7fff-360d-38f8-c30727ee86ac\">Like the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese calendar comes with Chinese astrology, which is a bit different. Indeed, your Chinese horoscope corresponds to the year and not to the day of your birth. Twelve signs make up this horoscope. This year is the Year of the Ox. You are of the sign of the buffalo if you were born in 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949 etc.<\/span><\/p>","mediaType":"text","videoId":"","imageCover":{"url":"https:\/\/www.expat.com\/images\/upload\/5\/0\/1\/3\/1612420994-chinese-new-year-news_item_slider-t1612420994.jpg","alt":"","author":"Image by Vlad Vasnetsov from Pixabay"},"tagMain":{"label":"Expat news","link":"\/en\/expat-mag\/africa\/mauritius\/t-1-news\/"},"tags":[{"label":"Mauritius","url":"\/en\/expat-mag\/africa\/mauritius\/"}],"creditsAuthors":[],"blockAuthor":[],"pdf":[],"sponsored":"","modifyLink":"https:\/\/www.expat.com\/cerberus\/news.php?p=edit&id=5023&languageId=0","countLike":0,"isCurrentUserLiked":false,"tableOfContent":[{"label":"How is the Chinese New Year celebrated in Mauritius?","anchorId":"how-is-the-chinese-new-year-0"},{"label":"Where does the tradition of the Dragon dance come from?","anchorId":"where-does-the-tradition-of-1"},{"label":"Chinese astrology","anchorId":"chinese-astrology-2"}]}; var internal = []; var back = []; var news = {"title":"More articles","viewMoreCta":"View all articles","viewMorelink":"\/en\/expat-mag\/africa\/mauritius\/","guides":[{"title":"Mauritius weekly highlights: VigiMobile, an app to monitor drug side effects","link":"\/en\/expat-mag\/11377-mauritius-weekly-highlights-vigimobile-an-app-to-monitor-drug-side-effects.html","excerpt":"This week, advancements in pharmacovigilance through the VigiMobile tool take center stage in ...","image":"https:\/\/www.expat.com\/images\/upload\/1\/1\/3\/7\/6\/1740037376-drug-vigilance-news_item_related_300-t1740037376.jpg"},{"title":"Mauritius to reintroduce Penalty Point System to ensure road safety","link":"\/en\/expat-mag\/11364-understanding-the-reintroduction-of-the-penalty-point-system-in-mauritius.html","excerpt":"Mauritius grapples with significant road safety challenges that affect both residents and visitors. ...","image":"https:\/\/www.expat.com\/images\/upload\/1\/1\/3\/6\/3\/1739519232-conduite-a-maurice-news_item_related_300-t1739519232.jpg"},{"title":"Mauritius weekly news: Water shortage, energy conservation, scam alerts, and religious festivities","link":"\/en\/expat-mag\/11342-mauritius-weekly-news-water-shortage-energy-conservation-scam-alerts-and-religious-festivities.html","excerpt":"This week, Mauritius grapples with pressing challenges on multiple fronts. 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