This December, The International Kreol Festival in Grand Baie offered a stunning insight into the country’s rich history and culture, highlighting its rich foodie heritage.
The culinary showcase serves as an excellent opportunity to explore Mauritius through its flavors, reminiscent of notable culinary experiences. The festival highlighted the significance of sharing meals, particularly as social connections are often forged over food. Tourists flocked to savor local delights, from fried mine to fish vindaye, paired with refreshing drinks like tamarind juice and cane juice.
Rather than a formal celebration, this Culinary Festival invited guests to indulge in the pleasures of Mauritian gastronomy, fostering connections between locals and visitors. Popular dishes like ‘briani’ and steamed dumplings have become part of the local lexicon, illustrating the fusion of cultures on the island.
The festival intertwined music and cuisine, with performers entertaining attendees while aromas filled the air. This blend resonates with the poetic nature of cooking, revealing that food is integral to understanding a culture. The Kreol Festival underscores the importance of culinary arts in Mauritian heritage, offering an open invitation to experience the warmth of hospitality that characterises the island. As locals share their culinary traditions, it is clear that the heart of Mauritius beats strongest when gathered around a table.
“This national festival is intended to bear witness to the richness of our Creole culture, without which Mauritius would not be what it is. We wanted it to be very diverse and we designed it as a showcase for our Creole culture.” said Richard Duval.
For Sydney Pierre, the International Kreol Festival is the perfect opportunity to showcase the island’s Creole identity and know-how.
“Creolité is a vast worldwide movement and Mauritius undeniably has its place in it. We want this Festival, over the years, to become one of the reasons why tourists come to visit us. In any case, all our representative offices around the world have been asked to promote it”
The Minister of Tourism has emphasised that the International Kreol Festival marks the beginning of his ministry’s commitment to showcasing different facets of Mauritius, in addition to its beautiful beaches and world-class hotels.
Maurititius is a stunning destination, known for its breathtaking scenery, friendly locals and rich heritage and this further cements the thriving gastronomic scene you can find when visiting here. To find out more and visiting Mauritius or the International Kreol Festival in Grand Baie, check out their website here.
