Mauritius, an idyllic island nation situated in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of the African continent, commemorates its Independence Day every year on March 12th, marking the achievement of independence in 1968. Recognized for its economic prosperity, cultural diversity, and lack of internal conflicts, Mauritius has emerged as one of Africa’s most successful countries. Independence Day in Mauritius holds significance for two significant events: the attainment of independence from Britain in 1968 and the establishment of the republican nation in 1992. This occasion is observed as a national holiday, symbolizing the nation’s journey towards sovereignty and self-determination.
The beautiful island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean has an ancient history full of intriguing secrets that are just waiting to be discovered. Mauritius had no residents until 1598, but it began a long and complicated journey to freedom, influenced by European immigration, the slave trade, colonization, and a variety of other key events. This year, on March 12, 2024, Mauritius will celebrate its 56th Independence Day, a holiday widely observed on the island.
History
The 16th-century Arabs were the first to find Mauritius, and later European exploration sparked a fight for the island’s independence and liberation. The island was deserted until the Dutch came in the sixteenth century, taking advantage of the ideal setting to establish a colony.
Due to its strategic location, Mauritius has become a coveted destination for European nations seeking to establish control over trade routes in the Indian Ocean. Over time, the island passed under Dutch, French, and British control, ultimately becoming a British colony in 1810.
In 1959, the British Prime Minister delivered a speech expressing the British government’s intention to grant independence to many of its overseas colonies, sparking a growing demand for self-rule within Mauritius. In 1966, elections saw victory for the alliance of the Mauritius Labour Party and other ruling parties.
Finally, on March 12th, 1968, Mauritius gained independence by adopting a new constitution, establishing itself as a constitutional monarchy. Twenty-four years later, on the same date in 1992, Mauritius was declared a republic within the British Commonwealth.
Celebrations
The national day of Mauritius is celebrated by showing pride and displaying colorful national flags across the island. There are many military parades and live music, along with a flag-raising ceremony and the National Anthem.
Swikriti
