ABSTRACT
The study of nationalisms such as the Mauritian one can also serve as a reminder that although the origin of nationalism may be European or nearly European, this kind of ideology has, after having been globalised, taken on a great number of local forms. Unlike European and many Asian nationalisms, Mauritian nationalism cannot, apparently, draw upon either a shared mythical past or ethnic unity in its ideological selfjustification. On the contrary, the territorial battle has been won decades ago by the political rulers of the Mauritian state, while the project of nation-building remains a major issue in identity politics as well as economic strategies, and most Mauritians would agree that it has only just begun. As the author shall argue, Mauritian nationalism has a strong cultural element without being ethnically justified. During Independence celebrations on and around 12 March, a number of ‘composite cultural shows’ are performed in local community centres.
