(Posted 09th December 2015)
It was the 20th of December in 1848 when slavery was abolished on the island of Reunion, a date which in modern days has been celebrated on the island with a festival in recognition of how important that date in history has become.
The Regional Government of Reunion – the island is part of France – and the island’s tourism board IRT, short for Ile de la Reunion Tourisme, have come together to for the sixth time hold this event, for which many visitors now come to the island.
Every year on this date, the population of Reunion swings to the rhythm of Maloya, listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage Humanity by UNESCO to celebrate the ‘Fêt Freedom‘.
This day gives an opportunity for all Reunion residents to share their unique cultural and ethnic diversity and celebrate together.
The 20th of December is the highlight of the festival for the island’s people when they are able to celebrate their common history.
The sixth edition of the festival this year takes place over the weekend of Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th of December for two days of festivities at the waterfront of St. Mary, on the place of the street market.
Under the sign of freedom and recognition of Métis culture, the Freedom Festival Metis aims to bring out and showcase common values and the Vanilla Islands Organization of which Reunion is a founder member, equally highlights the festival in their annual calendar of events.
Key words of the festival are Respect, Tolerance, Cultural Variety and Harmonious Living.
For added information about Reunion as a destination click on www.reunion.fr
