In Reunion, the end-of-year celebrations are intense, particularly in the east of the island, where the festive atmosphere blends harmoniously with local traditions. Far from winter traditions, the people of Reunion celebrate Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in an authentic and memorable way.
The magic of flamboyant Christmas lights and lights in eastern Reunion Island
Just like the arrival of lychees, the flowering of flamboyants symbolizes the approach of Christmas. These majestic trees tint the island in dazzling red splendor, adorning the roads, roundabouts and coastline, adding a touch of enchantment to the festive season. Some trees in the East are particularly photogenic, like the flamboyant ones that grow along the old national road crossing Bras-Panon. Note that the Reunionese are also attached to nativity scenes and pei Christmas trees – often a cryptomeria or an araucaria – which sit in homes. Eastern cities also install illuminations throughout the month of December.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve meals in eastern Reunion
Whether it's Christmas or New Year's Eve, the festivities generally start with the traditional New Year's Eve bringing together family and friends around a generous Creole meal. The Reunion aperitif, with traditional corks, samosas or pepper candies, sits alongside more exceptional dishes such as foie gras and palm kernel as a starter, followed by lobster curries, bichiques, or duck with vanilla. Dishes like Creole pâté, sweet or savory, complete this feast. At the stroke of midnight, fireworks light up the sky, adding a spectacular touch to the celebration. Note that many restaurants and guesthouses on the island offer traditional holiday meals, often very copious, for New Year's Eve.
Find the providers in the East who offer menus for the holidays, by clicking here.
Midnight masses and fire walks in eastern Reunion: a period marked by important religious celebrations
The holiday season is synonymous with spirituality and fervor in Eastern Reunion. Many Reunion Islanders of the Catholic faith attend midnight masses on New Year's Eve and Christmas masses. For Reunion Islanders of Hindu faith, the months of December and January are marked by fire marches, celebrating the Hindu goddess Pandialé. After seventeen days of Lent, penitents brave a fire to demonstrate their devotion. The year begins with one of the most important fire marches on the island, at the Temple of the Colossus, in Saint-André, on January 1st. A march is also held on January 2, at the Ravine Creuse temple, still in Saint-André. These ceremonies are generally open to the public, but you will be asked to show discretion and respect (appropriate attire and respect for areas reserved for penitents).
Delicious fruits in the spotlight during the end-of-year celebrations in the East
It’s impossible to talk about the holidays in Reunion without mentioning the delights to savor during the southern summer. It’s the ideal time to taste all kinds of fruit! Starting with mangoes, which come in several varieties, such as the José mango from Reunion Island. You will also enjoy passion fruit or Victoria pineapples. But of course, the emblematic fruit of this holiday season is the lychee. It is also said that the best litchis of the island grow in the East, Canoe Arm ! Take advantage of this period of abundance to stock up on fruit in the fairground markets of the East. You can also try the experience of picking lychees, directly from the tree, in orchards in the East, an ideal activity for foodies.
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Artisanal Christmas markets in eastern Reunion
As the holidays approach, craft markets offer an ideal opportunity to find unique gifts. Jewelry, accessories, decoration, toys, and local treats attract visitors in a festive atmosphere. These markets, organized from November, highlight the talent of Reunion designers, offering an authentic shopping experience.
See the different Christmas markets scheduled by clicking here
As you will have understood, the end-of-year holiday period is ideal for discovering Eastern Reunion Island and enjoying the traditions and flavors of Reunion Island in an unforgettable festive atmosphere.
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