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AT CROSSROADS OF CULTURES
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Before becoming part of the French Empire in the 17th century, the island was uninhabited. The population came in successive waves, with the very first settlers arriving from France, followed by slaves from Madagascar and Africa, and workers from China and India during the 19th century. Reunion’s population today is naturally of mixed race, bearing witness to the island’s history. It is this ethnic richness that, today, has earned the 817,000 inhabitants of the island the beautiful nickname of "rainbow population" with its kaleidoscope of cultures and religions. |
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It is this ethnic richness that, today, has earned the 817,000 inhabitants of Reunion Island the beautiful nickname of "rainbow population"
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Hindu temples, mosques, churches and Chinese pagodas stand peacefully side-by-side. The Chinese New Year celebrations, the very spectacular "fire walk ", Dipavali or the Festival of Lights are always getting a lot of media coverage, the Christmas markets and the procession of the « Virgin with the umbrella » are all events that emphasize the sense of sharing, so close to the locals’ hearts.
An intensive course in the Creole way of life starts off with a good cari with a local family. Staying at guesthouses is a fine way to gain insight into the daily routine of the Reunionese and learning few words of the Creole language. The “Creole villages” is an initiative that has been launched to preserve and promote the traditions of rural villages: it gives to the public the possibility to discover architecture, art and gastronomy of Reunion Island. |
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