We know how beautiful the scenery is on Reunion, the ultimate island. Previously known by the names of Dina Morgabine, Santa Apolonia or the Bourbon Island, Reunion has become a symbol to the world of peoples living together in harmony. The current population is one of a kind, the result of centuries of migrations and ethnic mingling.
Today, the islanders form a multiethnic, multicultural model of harmonious co-existence. Together, they are the heart and soul of Reunion, the ultimate island, whose very identity lies in its cultural particularities and its unique history. Dipavali is an important event for me. This Tamil festival is a celebration of light and colour.
It unites families and friends to share moments of togetherness. With dance shows, traditional Indian music and dazzlingly bright costumes, this wonderful festival of light and colour really lives up to its name! When I was younger I was lucky enough to take part in the parade on several occasions, with an Indian dance association. Those were intense, magical moments! I have great memories of them. Many pirates have sailed the Indian Ocean and left their mark on the island.
The Dutch, the British, and numerous bandits of various nationalities stopped near the island and eventually settled here. Many of the people of Reunion descend from pirates. I myself found out while tracing my family tree that the pirate John Grayell was one of my ancestors! In the 18th century, trade was prohibited even between the islanders, let alone with pirates.
Once allowed to disembark, they stayed much longer than planned and spent 2 or 3 months having a feast! It was a combination of factors: my father was approaching retirement age and I was a student. At the time, we only grew sugarcane. When I was 6 years old, since my father was a cane farmer, during the sugarcane harvest his driver would deliver the canes to the refinery. To me it was a treat as good as barley sugar!
