The end-of-year celebrations are a special time to get together with family and friends. In Reunion Island, these celebrations take on a very special flavor thanks to a rich mix of Creole traditions. But what are these customs that make Christmas and New Year’s Day unforgettable moments on the intense island?
Through this article, we invite you to discover the Creole traditions that animate the end-of-year celebrations in Reunion Island. From Christmas carols to typical dishes, including decorations and rituals, you will be surprised by the diversity and richness of this cultural heritage.
Why are these festivals so important in Reunion? Quite simply because they are the result of a unique blend, where African, European and Asian influences are mixed. This mix gives rise to colorful celebrations, where music, dance and gastronomy take center stage.
So, put on your finest attire and follow us for a journey to the heart of Creole Christmas and New Year traditions in Reunion with the Exsel hotels !
To fully experience the end-of-year celebrations in Reunion, there is nothing like a stay in an exceptional establishment. The Exsel hotel and restaurant welcomes you in a warm and authentic setting, where you can enjoy refined Creole cuisine and take part in festive entertainment.
Book your stay at Exsel now and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the end-of-year celebrations in Reunion Island.
A gourmet Christmas in Reunion
The end-of-year celebrations in Reunion Island are inseparable from gastronomy. The table is adorned with exotic colors and flavors, reflecting the cultural mix of the island.
Christmas dinner: a taste journey
The Christmas menu in Reunion Island is a real feast. Traditionally, it consists of a main course, often a meat or fish curry , accompanied by rice and rougail . Mango rougail is particularly popular at this time of year.
Typical dishes | Key Ingredients |
Chicken curry | Chicken, spices, coconut milk |
Pork chops | Pork, spices, coconut milk |
Dear fish | White fish, spices, coconut milk |
Mango Rougail | Green mango, onion, chili pepper |
For those with a sweet tooth, Creole pâté is an institution. This sweet or savory dish is often enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert.
Seasonal fruits : an explosion of flavors
Seasonal fruits play a central role in Christmas celebrations in Reunion. Lychees , mangoes , Victoria pineapples and passion fruits are abundant and tasty. They are eaten fresh, in fruit salads, compotes or juices.
Seasonal fruits | Flavors |
Lettuce | Sweet, slightly tangy |
Mangoes | Sweet, fragrant |
Victoria pineapple | Sweet, tangy, fibrous |
Passion Fruits | Tangy, fragrant |
Desserts: a Creole sweet treat
Christmas desserts are just as varied as the main dishes. The Yule log is an imported tradition, but it is often revisited with local flavors. There are also chocolate sweet potato mousses and other Creole sweets.
To discover all the flavors of Christmas in Reunion, head to the Exsel hotel-restaurant. Our chef will prepare an exceptional festive menu for you, combining tradition and modernity.
The flavors of Christmas in Reunion
In Reunion, Christmas is also a matter of taste! The festive table is adorned with colors and aromas that take the taste buds on a journey.
The essentials
- Rice and curry: The main dish par excellence, rice traditionally accompanies meat curries (beef, chicken, pork) or fish (tuna, marlin). For a Christmas in style, you can opt for a lobster curry or a duck stew with vanilla.
- Rougail: Essential for enhancing flavors, rougail comes in an infinite variety. For the holidays, we prefer mango rougail, sweet and fruity.
- Exotic fruits: Lychee and mango are the stars of the dessert. They can be enjoyed fresh, in fruit salad or as a Christmas log with exotic flavors.
Local specialties
- Creole pâté: Sweet or savory, this dish is a real institution in Reunion. It can be enjoyed as a starter or dessert.
- Sweet potato: Often made into a puree or cake, sweet potato is another key ingredient in Creole cuisine.
- Spices: Saffron , vanilla , chili pepper … Spices give Christmas dishes a unique and authentic taste.
A table to better visualize
Plat | Main ingredients | Special features |
Meat carts | Meat (beef, chicken, pork), spices, coconut milk | Accompanied by rice |
Mango Rougail | Green mango, onion, garlic, chili pepper | Enhances the flavors |
Yule log | Rolled cake, cream, exotic fruits | Traditional dessert |
Creole pâté | Flour, eggs, milk, sugar, meat (optional) | Sweet or salty |
To enjoy these specialties and many more, head to the Exsel Hotel-Restaurant. Our chef offers you an exceptional Christmas menu, combining tradition and creativity. You will be able to savor the flavors of the island in an enchanting setting.
Reserve your table now and let yourself be tempted by the delights of our Creole cuisine.
A feast of Creole flavors
The end-of-year celebrations in Reunion Island are also an opportunity to treat your taste buds. Creole cuisine, rich and tasty, takes center stage with revisited traditional dishes.
Christmas dinner
- The main course: Curry is undoubtedly the king of the Reunion table. For Christmas, we generally enjoy chicken, pork or fish curry, accompanied by white rice and a spicy rougail. Lobster curry is also very popular for special occasions.
- Accompaniments: Grains (white beans, coral lentils) are essential to accompany the curry. Mango rougail, a local specialty, brings a fruity and slightly sweet touch to the dish.
- Desserts: The Yule log, revisited with exotic flavors (vanilla, passion fruit), is a must. Seasonal fruits such as lychees , mangoes and Victoria pineapples are also very popular.
End of year specialties
- Creole pâté: This savory or sweet dish is a real institution in Reunion. It can be enjoyed as a starter or dessert.
- Bouchons: These small stuffed bites are ideal for an aperitif. They can be found in all bakeries and grocery stores.
- Chilli candies: These original candies, made with chilli and fruit, are a delight for lovers of strong flavours.
Table: The flavors of Christmas in Reunion
Plat | Description | Key Ingredients |
Search | Spicy stew | Meat, fish, spices, coconut milk |
Rougail | Spicy accompaniment | Tomatoes, onions, pepper |
Yule log | Traditional dessert | Biscuit, cream, exotic fruits |
Creole pâté | Starter or dessert | Meats, vegetables, fruits, spices |
Corks | Appetizers | Dough, various stuffing |
Chili candy | Confectionery | Fruits, chili pepper |
Drinks
To accompany this feast, the people of Reunion enjoy fresh fruit juices ( lychee , mango ), white wine and rum .
Creole cuisine is a true journey for the taste buds. By mixing the flavors of Africa, Europe and Asia, it offers a unique taste experience. At Christmas, Reunion Island tables are covered with colorful and fragrant dishes, reflecting the richness and diversity of this island.
Celebrate Christmas in Reunion Island: A Blend of Creole Culture and Tropical Magic
As the festive season approaches, Reunion Island transforms into a vibrant wonderland, uniquely blending Creole traditions with a tropical touch. This island celebration offers a distinct escape from the typical winter Christmas scenes, infusing the holidays with sunshine and exotic flavors.
Preparing for the Festivities
From early December, the streets of Reunion come alive. The bustling markets and colorful city centers signal the arrival of Christmas. Nature also plays its part, with the flamboyant trees blooming in brilliant reds, and tropical fruits like lychees, mangoes, and Victoria pineapples arriving just in time to adorn the holiday tables.
Families set the mood by crafting Christmas trees from local bushes such as cryptomeria or filao. The air buzzes with anticipation as festive decorations and sparkling lights are carefully brought out. The people of Reunion eagerly plan gatherings, pondering the crucial question: what will the menu be?
Culinary Delights
Christmas Eve on the island is marked by extravagant feasts shared with loved ones. A Reunion celebration often begins with a punch or spiced rum, accompanied by local delights such as chili pepper candies and samosas. While some continental staples—like foie gras, oysters, and salmon—make an appearance, the star dishes are distinctly Reunionese.
Expect to see a rich variety of curries served with rice and rougail. Among them, lobster curry, bichiques curry, vanilla duck, and even civet of goose or deer are popular choices. This culinary fusion beautifully encapsulates the island’s diverse flavors, offering a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Joyful Atmosphere
The joy is palpable with children at the heart of the celebrations, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Father Christmas amidst fireworks and festive sounds. The air is filled with cheerful Christmas carols, both classic French tunes and beloved local songs such as “Noël à la Réunion” by Jacqueline Farreyrol, celebrating the magic of summer holidays under the tropics.
Embracing Tradition and Spirituality
Spiritual customs hold significant meaning for many on the island. The midnight Mass on December 24th remains a cherished tradition for Catholic families, marking a thoughtful pause before the joyful feast. Additionally, various Hindu practices, such as fire-walking rituals dedicated to the goddess Pandialé, highlight the island’s rich spiritual tapestry.
At its core, Christmas in Reunion Island is a joyful celebration of cultural diversity, culinary richness, and communal warmth, set against its breathtaking tropical landscape. It is a holiday experience that brings people together to savor every moment.
How Spirituality Enriches Christmas Celebrations in Reunion Island
In Reunion Island, spirituality is woven into the fabric of festive celebrations, reflecting the island’s rich cultural tapestry. Families of different religious faiths integrate their spiritual beliefs in unique and meaningful ways.
Traditions of Midnight Mass
For many Catholic families, the midnight Mass on December 24th is a cornerstone of their Christmas celebration. This service is not just a moment of worship but also a time for reflection and community gathering. After the Mass, it is customary for participants to exchange festive wishes with friends and neighbors, thus strengthening community bonds.
Hindu Rituals and Celebrations
Hindu families, although not specifically celebrating Christmas, often engage in spiritual rituals during this time of year, in accordance with their own calendars. These may include impressive events such as fire-walking, which is performed in honor of the goddess Pandialé. These rituals are profound expressions of faith and endurance, marking a period of spiritual significance.
In this diverse island community, spiritual practices serve not only as religious expressions but also as opportunities for families to come together in celebration, emphasizing a shared commitment to community and faith.
The essential dishes for the end-of-year celebrations in Reunion
The end-of-year celebrations in Reunion Island are also an opportunity to treat your taste buds. Creole cuisine, rich and tasty, takes center stage with revisited traditional dishes.
Christmas dinner: a mixture of flavors
Christmas dinner in Reunion Island is a real feast. Families gather around a generously laden table. The dishes vary from one house to another, but some essentials are often found on the tables:
- Curry: An iconic dish of Creole cuisine, curry is available in an infinite variety. For the holidays, we prefer lobster, chicken or pork curries.
- Rice: An essential accompaniment to curry, rice is often flavored with vanilla or saffron.
- Rougail: This spicy condiment made from tomatoes, onions and garlic adds a touch of freshness to the dish.
- Seasonal fruits: Lychees , mangoes and Victoria pineapples are the stars of Christmas desserts. They can be enjoyed fresh , in fruit salad or as compotes.
- The Yule Log: More recently adopted, the Yule Log is often revisited with local flavors, such as vanilla or passion fruit .
New Year’s Day: time for Creole pâté
New Year’s Day is an opportunity to taste another typical dish: Creole pâté . Sweet or savory, it is prepared with meat, vegetables and spices. It is traditionally eaten with bread and butter.
Summary table of holiday dishes
Plat | Description | Key Ingredients |
Search | Spicy stew | Meat (chicken, pork, lobster), spices (turmeric, ginger), coconut milk |
Rice | Accompaniement | Rice, vanilla, saffron |
Rougail | Spicy condiment | Tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili pepper |
Seasonal fruits | Desserts | Lychees, mangoes, Victoria pineapples |
Yule log | Dessert | Rolled cake, cream, exotic fruits |
Creole pâté | Salty or sweet dish | Meat, vegetables, spices |
To discover all the flavors of Christmas and New Year in Reunion, visit the Exsel hotel and restaurant. Our chef will prepare revisited traditional dishes, highlighting local and seasonal products.
Book your stay now and treat yourself to our festive menus.
