Chinatown in Mauritius is in the heart of the capital Port Louis. It is one of the oldest Chinese settlement in Africa which dates as far back as the 1780s. Today, Chinese Mauritians are moving out of the area to seek their fortunes abroad.
There are colorfully painted, white, red and blue wooden shop fronts which date as far back as the mid 1800s. Ground spices, aromatic vegetables and restaurants serving up Asian cuisines invite visitors to Chinatown.
Chinatown
Mandarin is still actively taught in middle schools in the area, and the streets are marked with well-maintained pagodas.
Although Chinese make up less than 3% of the island’s population, their presence is noticeable throughout the island. Chinatown is a gathering spot for cultural customs such as celebrating the mid-autumn festival also known as the mooncake festival. The festival offers a chance for both young and old to participate in centuries-old traditions and draws tourists. During the Chinese new year period there will be colourful lion dances in the city.
Lion Dance
Chinatown has always been a busy trade epicentre and tourist attraction. A group of young people formed the New Chinatown Foundation to try and bring vibrancy, and identity to the district. New Chinatown Foundation members organize street cleaning and pull together to repaint neglected buildings. A volunteer patrol group was organized to walk the streets at night to keep the area safe from a spate of recent night-time crimes.
Chinese street food,noodles and dumplings, is popular among locals as well as visitors. The Chinese Immigration Museum showcases China Town’s history.
Chinese Cuisine in Chinatown
During the annual Chinatown Food and Cultural Festival The area morphs into a celebration ground, with the rhythmic drum beats and music in the background and a vibrant and colourful night sky with fireworks. The street turns into performing stages for artists – painters, dancers, musicians, acrobats, calligraphists. Food stalls offering Varieties of dishes brim with crowds. Shops are brightly decorated with gold, and red Chinese lanterns and shopkeepers display their best products for this night. Later in the night, the streets are closed for vehicles and are open for dance performances.
