Cultural Heritage: Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund organises Open Days on 18 and 19 April 2026

The Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund, in collaboration with the National Heritage Fund, is opening the doors of history to the public through two Open Days on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April 2026 from 09:00 to 16:00 hours. This event is an opportunity for citizens, families, students and visitors to reconnect with heritage in an immersive and engaging learning experience—free of charge.

The initiative forms part of the celebrations marking the 2026 International Day for Monuments and Sites (IDMS), a moment dedicated to recognising the richness and diversity of our shared cultural heritage.

At the centre of the programme is the Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site in Port Louis, a landmark deeply embedded in the history of Mauritius that bears witness to the indentured labour system and the shaping of Mauritian society. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in guided tours of the site, as well as explore the Beekrumsing Ramlallah Interpretation Centre, where history is brought to life through exhibits and storytelling.

On Sunday 19 April, heritage walks will be organised within Buffer Zone One of the Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site, offering visitors the possibility to explore the surrounding urban fabric of Port Louis and discover the layers of history that continue to shape the city’s identity.

For younger audiences and curious minds alike, arrangements have been made for pedagogical activities designed to engage students and families through interactive learning experiences. The aim is to deepen understanding of heritage conservation and inspire greater appreciation for the cultural legacy of Mauritius.

The Open Days also extend to the Trianon Old Labourers Quarters, where guided visits will be available on both days from 09:00 to 16:00 hours. This site offers another vital perspective on the living conditions and experiences of labourers, enriching the broader narrative of Mauritius’ social and cultural evolution.

The Old Labourers’ Quarters, comprising 15 chambers, were constructed between the 1860s and 1870s as part of the Trianon Sugar Estate. In contrast to the typical dwellings of indentured labourers—often rudimentary huts or barracks made from earth, wood, cow dung and cane straw—the Trianon quarters were built in stone, reflecting a more durable form of construction.

Today, the site is regarded as one of the most significant of its kind, standing as the only well-preserved and complete structure from that period.

By opening these sites to the public, the organising committee seeks to foster a stronger connection between people and their heritage. The Open Days provide access to important historical spaces while encouraging citizens not just to observe history, but also to actively participate in its protection.

Observed annually on 18 April, the IDMS was proposed in 1982 by the International Council on Monuments and Sites and officially adopted in 1983 by the UNESCO during its 22nd General Conference.

The theme for 2026 ‘Emergency Response for Living Heritage in Contexts of Conflict and Disasters,’ calls attention to the need for preparedness, resilience and collective responsibility in safeguarding both physical sites and living traditions.

For additional information on the Open Days, members of the public may contact the Beekrumsing Ramlallah Interpretation Centre on 217 77 70.

15 April 2026

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Topics: Culture, Education, Others