The 2025 International Kreol Festival was launched on Friday at the Mont Choisy public beach, marking the start of three days entirely dedicated to Mauritian Creole culture. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, accompanied by his wife Veena Ramgoolam, Tourism Minister Richard Duval, Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger, and several other dignitaries, kicked off an edition held under the theme “Otantisite nou kiltir kreol” (“The authenticity of our Creole culture”). The festival is spread over three locations: Mont Choisy, Trou d’Eau Douce, and Mahébourg.
The arrival of the Prime Minister opened a symbolic evening highlighted by the lighting of the Creole torch and a performance retracing the history of Mauritian Creole identity. The first concert then brought together local artists and regional talents, including Baster from Reunion Island, Jahrimba from Seychelles, Clair from Rodrigues, as well as many Mauritian artists such as Christelle Zamir, Sayaa, Elvïnio, Madii Madii, Rico, Ras Natty Baby, Tian Corentin, and Clarel Armel. The evening continued in a lively atmosphere with DJ Kingdom.
Richard Duval emphasized that this festival remains “the artists’ celebration,” despite budget constraints, and praised the contribution of hoteliers and private partners. Paul Bérenger stressed the intercommunal dimension of the event while highlighting the growing importance of the Creole language, which is expected to play a broader role in Parliament. For his part, Navin Ramgoolam highlighted Creole identity as a force for unity and recalled the symbolic value of sega music, listed as UNESCO World Heritage.
The festival continues this Sunday for its final day in Mahébourg, following a séga tipik evening in Trou d’Eau Douce on December 6, which brought together groups from Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agaléga, and the Chagos, featuring artists such as Nancy Derougere, Mario Justin, and Lespri Ravanne. In Mahébourg, the day began with a traditional regatta in the historic bay of Grand Port before transforming into a Creole market blending local cuisine and crafts. The final concert runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring Bilygan, The Prophecy, Blakkayo, Alain Ramanisum, Laura Beg, Bigg Frankii, Oeson, Sky To Be, Wendiva, Jason Lejuste, and many others, accompanied by DJ Ejilen.
A final burst of celebration before the close of a weekend filled with Mauritian culture and pride.
