Reunion Culture

Reunion Island’s culture is a combination of French, African, Indian, and Chinese cultures. The 700,000 inhabitants of the island speak mostly French or Creole, and about 75% of the residents are Roman Catholic. This is largely a society respectful of each other’s diverse cultures and the island has suffered no political or social unrest in almost two centuries.

Thanks to this delightful blending of cultures, you can walk down the streets and hear traditional ecclesiastic choral music emanating from one of the island’s magnificent churches of listen to the chants of the Muslim’s ringing from the mosque on the opposite corner. Folk music is very popular here and is lively and diverse. It performed everywhere - from street fairs to cafes or bistros.

You’ll find French, Creole, Indian, Chinese here- all prepared with an island twist, making excellent use of the abundant seafood available here as well as locally grown and often unique fruits, vegetables, and spices that are a traditional part of Reunion Island cuisine.

Inhabitants of the island are extremely friendly and happy (you would be too if you lived here) and the culture here is very relaxed.

Looking for more detailed information? Click on the topics below: