In this article, let’s talk about my place of birth : Mayotte island.
It’s ok if you had ever heard about this place before. Indeed, even if the lagoon of Mayotte was promoted best lagoon in the world a few years ago, the island still very little known..
Mayotte
Mayotte (Mahore in the local language) is the last overseas department of France (only since 2011) . It is a tiny tropical island which is located between Madagascar and southeastern Africa.
The inhabitants of Mayotte are called mahorais. Geographicaly, the island belongs to the Comoros Archipelago ( which is composed of four islands). The island itself is split between 2 islands : A main island ( grande terre ) and a smaller one ( Petite terre ). To sale from Grande Terre to Petite Terre, the mahorais used to take a kind of ferry which is called « La barge » .
Language
In Mayotte island, we have two native languages : « Shimaoré » who is spoken by the majority of the inhabitants and "kibushi", a language from Madagascar who is spoken by a minority. . The official language is French.
Daily tradition
✼ Clothes
Mayotte is a very traditional island. In the streets, you could see many women wearing different kind of salouva, the traditional outfit.
✼ Island of flowers
Mayotte is also known as « The island of perfume » because in Mayotte flowers are very important, The emblem of the island is a flower of Ylang Ylang.
woman used to put flower of jasmine in their head during an event.
When someone arrive on the island, we welcome her with a flower necklace.
✼ "Voulé" ( the traditional barbecue )
If there is one thing that the inhabitant of Mayotte island love more than anything else in this world ( and it’s not even a hyperbole ) is the weekly barbecue which is called « voulé ». (My father used to say that « voulé » deserved to be in the flag of Mayotte island) . It is a moment of relaxation and shared conviviality where people gathered together around a barbecue, generally on Sunday .
✼ Debaa : an annual tradition
People in Mayotte island are mainly muslims. During the month of ramadan, you could hear débaa everywhere. Debaa is a traditionnal song which is relate a religious message. The main instrument is called « tari », it is a specific tambourine in Mayotte. Debaa is entirely a woman choir and it’s accompanied by a light dance but only with hands.
I really love the artistic direction of your blog, that changes and I find it so atractive (much of colors..). Thank you for doing us visiting your natal country and discover this culture who's totally stranger to me !
First of all, your blog is really beautiful, congratulations!
This article is interesting and makes us want to discover even more about your culture and your island. I hope to have the chance to visit one day.
Is very interesting to see cultural/ religious demonstration's by the womens optic. This image is really beautiful and I would love to have the opportunity to visite Mayotte one day!