RODRIGUES

With so many events to choose from, we wanted to highlight a couple of annual events that are special to Rodrigues that you will not want to miss out on if you have the chance. You might want to plan your visit to coincide with one of these or one of the public holidays or religious festivals listed here. Do not forget to check the events calendar page to find out what is happening on those special days or on any other day!

  • The Kreol Festival

    The Kreol Festival is celebrated annually in Rodrigues on the first weekend in December, each year in a different host village. Activities are scheduled over 5 days all over the island, with the opening and closing festivities taking place in the host village. Crowds of around 5,000 people can be expected at the opening building to over 10,000 throughout the festival till the closing celebrations which are marked by a grand musical show ‘ L’ambience bann zil’ where famous artists from Rodrigues and the Indian Ocean at large perform. The ‘Miss Festival Kreol’ also takes place during this special event.

  • The Rodrigues International Kite Festival

    This annual international festival is organised by the Rodrigues Kitesurfing Association and the Tourism Commission. The competitions take place over a week, with MUR 3 million available in prize money (equivalent to approximately 75,000 euros). Amateur participants and professionals from all over the world gather to compete in a large lagoon of 200 km2, reflecting amazing hues and protected by a coral reef. Kiteboarding competitions also takes place, as well as the Miss Rodrigues International Kite Festival pageant, a zumba competition, and a DJ contest among others.

Public Holidays

Date - 2017
New Year Sunday 1 January
New Year Monday 2 January
Chinese Spring Festival Saturday 28 January
Abolition of Slavery Wednesday 1 February
Thaipoosam Cavadee Thursday 9 February
Maha Shivaratree Friday 24 February
Independence and Republic Day Sunday 12 March
Ugaadi Wednesday 29 March
Labour Day Monday 1 May
*Eid-Ul-Fitr Monday 26 June
Ganesh Chaturthi Saturday 26 August
Divali Thursday 19 October
All Saints Day Wednesday 01 November
Arrival of Indentured Labourers Thursday 2 November
Christmas Monday 25 December