La Réunion Festival Guide

Why La Réunion’s Festivals Are Worth Planning Around

If you only visit La Réunion for the landscapes, you’ll miss something big. The island’s Creole culture is deeply tied to celebration: religious, cultural, seasonal. Some festivals are small and community-based. Others take over whole towns.

What makes them special? They’re not tourist shows. These events are for locals first. That means real food, real music, and a chance to experience the island’s mix of French, Indian, African, Chinese, and Malagasy influences, all in one place.

Key Festivals to Know (and When They Happen)

🪷 Cavadee (January/February)

A major Tamil celebration. Devotees dress in pink, carry flower-covered offerings, and pierce their skin in acts of devotion. You’ll hear drums, see processions, and smell jasmine and incense. Best viewed respectfully from the sidelines in Saint-André or Le Port.

🐉 Chinese New Year (January/February)

Celebrated in Saint-Denis, especially around the Chinese temple. Expect dragon dances, firecrackers, and traditional food. La Réunion’s Chinese community is small but influential. This is a great way to see another layer of island culture.

🎉 Fête de la Liberté (20 December)

Marks the abolition of slavery in 1848. Held across the island, with concerts, exhibitions, and dance performances. Saint-Denis usually hosts the biggest events.

🌾 Fête du Choca (July)

Celebrates the choca plant (sisal agave), important in traditional crafts. Held in the south of the island (usually L’Entre-Deux), it features food stalls, music, crafts, and choca-based cooking contests.

🍍 Fête de la Vanille / Fête de la Canne à Sucre (August–November, dates vary)

Vanilla and sugar cane are two of La Réunion’s most iconic exports. These rural festivals are low-key but authentic. Think tastings, local producers, and village markets.

What You’ll Hear & See

• Maloya: A traditional Creole music genre with African roots. Played with handmade percussion, sung in Réunion Creole. It's emotional, rhythmic, and political.

• Sega: Faster, guitar-driven, dance-oriented. Often played at beach parties or big celebrations.

• Parades and processions: Expect flower-covered floats, costumed dancers, drummers, and families walking together.

Where to Experience Local Culture Year-Round

Even if you're not here during a big festival, you can still experience local events. Look out for:

• Night markets (marchés nocturnes)

• Village fêtes on weekends

• Concerts at cultural centers (especially in Saint-Paul and Saint-Denis)

• Quiz nights and improv shows—yes, even in the mountains, we went to one!

Tips for Festival-Goers

• Dress casually but respectfully. Long skirts and light shirts work well.

• Ask locals when and where to go. Some events aren’t well advertised.

• Carry cash because market stalls rarely take cards.

• Arrive early. Parking and seats go fast.

• Eat everything. Festival food is some of the best you’ll try.