After two years of pandemic and restrictions, the country is getting back to the tradition of big Christmas gatherings. The stores, the streets, the shopping malls are all crowded with people to do their Christmas shopping. For many, Christmas is an important moment of conviviality, of giving and exchanging gifts, primarily to children but also to adults. For Christians, it is a historical, human and spiritual reality. Jesus is situated in a history. For Christmas, Mauritians attach great importance to the decoration of the house. Christmas wreaths are hung on the front doors, series of electric candles on the windowsills.
In the majority of the island’s parishes, a vigil is planned on December 24 before mass; songs, animations, prayers, tableaux vivants, among others. On December 25, Catholics will gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus during Sunday mass.