People and religion
Most of the population has Indian roots; Creoles are another large group, and smaller groups are of European and Chinese origin. Hinduism is the most widespread religion, followed by Christianity and Islam. The festivals of each religion are part of the life of the whole society, as the public holiday calendar shows.
When visiting temples and mosques, cover your shoulders and knees and follow the instructions on site (removing shoes, photography).
What to try
- Street food: dholl puri and farata (flatbreads with curry), gâteau piment (fried split-pea balls), bol renversé.
- Creole and Indian cuisine: curry, rougaille (tomato sauce), briani.
- Fish and seafood grilled or in curry.
- Fruit: pineapple with chilli and salt, mango, lychees in season.
- Drinks: sugar cane juice, coconut water straight from the nut, local rum from several producers and beer from local breweries, including craft ones.
