Six years after its first edition, the return of Just The Beginning to La Salette promises to be a highlight for young people from Mauritius and the Indian Ocean, marked by fellowship, joy, and hope.
The Just The Beginning festival will take place from July 22 to 26 , 2026 , at Notre-Dame de La Salette in Grand-Baie, Mauritius. Nearly 500 young people aged 18 to 35 are expected to attend this year’s event, accompanied by more than 250 staff members and volunteers who will be on hand to handle hospitality, logistics, activities, and ensure the smooth running of the festival.
The festival’s return to La Salette is a highly anticipated event. The first edition of Just The Beginning, held in 2019, brought together several hundred young people from Mauritius as well as young people from various islands in the Indian Ocean. The organizers hope to recreate this regional focus by welcoming participants from the neighboring islands once again this year.
The festival’s return to La Salette is a highly anticipated event. The first edition of Just The Beginning, held in 2019, brought together several hundred young people from Mauritius as well as young people from various islands in the Indian Ocean. The organizers hope to recreate this regional focus by welcoming participants from the neighboring islands once again this year.
The theme chosen for the 2026 edition is “Rooted in Christ.” Through this theme, the organizers hope to offer young people a genuine return to the essentials and to their roots. In a world where everything is moving faster and faster and where everyone is constantly pulled in different directions, the festival aims to be an invitation to pause, take time for oneself, and refocus on what truly matters.
Over the course of five days, participants will be invited to experience moments of prayer, celebration, fellowship, and renewal. A variety of workshops will also be offered to encourage dialogue and personal growth.
But Just The Beginning is also meant to be a festive and friendly festival. Young people will be able to participate in a wide range of activities, such as kayaking, soccer, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, dragon boat racing, introductory candle-making workshops, and the Climate Mural. These are all opportunities to build connections, relax, and have a deeply enriching human and spiritual experience.
This large gathering will take the form of a residential event. Participants will have the option of staying either at a campground or in classrooms specially set up for the occasion.
Since October 2025, about fifteen people have been involved in preparing for the festival. Every month, they get together for a full weekend of work to prepare the various aspects of the event, both in terms of logistics and spiritual content.
