Every year on December 20, La Réunion celebrates the abolition of slavery through Fête Kaf, a day of commemoration and festivities rich in emotion and cultural sharing. Here’s an overview of this year’s celebrations, commune by commune.
A grand parade and concerts in Saint-Denis
Gran Défilé La Liberté: Departure at 5 PM from Jardin de l’État, with a route through Rue de Paris and Rue de la Victoire.
Cultural evening: Dance and concerts at Jardin du Barachois from 7 PM, featuring 27 artists from Mozambique.
Convenient access: Free shuttles and Citypark parking open from 7 AM to 1 AM.
A lively Creole village in Saint-Pierre
Cultural village: Set up in Jardins de la Plage from 9 AM to 6 PM, with risofé, exhibitions, and workshops.
Musical evening: Concerts at Place Albany from 7 PM, featuring Christine Salem, Firmin Viry, and other iconic artists.
Maronès show: Written by Sully Andoche, presented at Montvers-les-Hauts at 2 PM.
An immersion in Creole culture in Saint-Louis
Village Kréol: At Moulin Maïs in Bois-de-Nèfles Cocos, with activities on December 19 and 20.
Kabar: Thursday, December 19 from 5 PM to 11 PM.
Parade and Ron Maloya: Friday, December 20, from 10:30 AM to 6 PM.
Parades and concerts at the Saint-Benoît waterfront
Waterfront: Parade from 2 PM to 4 PM, followed by Ron kaloubadia, shows, and concerts from 5:20 PM to 10 PM.
Celebrations in the neighborhoods of Saint-Paul
Neighborhood celebrations: At L’Éperon on December 19 and in various locations (Bois-de-Nèfles, Bellemène, La Saline) on December 20.
A week of remembrance and sharing in Saint-André
Week of remembrance: Activities from December 16 to 22.
Grand Kabar: December 20 at 6 PM on the town hall square.
Heritage activities in Sainte-Marie
Vilaz Liberté: Activities at La Vierge Noire in La Rivière-des-Pluies, including a heritage circuit, dove release at 10:30 AM, and concerts.
A varied program in L’Étang-Salé
Stade Gilbert Delgard: Festivities on December 20 from 2 PM to 10 PM with a Creole village, parade, and concerts.
Festive activities in Sainte-Suzanne
Parade and concerts: December 19 from 6:30 PM.
Relais des Marrons: December 20 at 9 AM.
A Creole festival in Petite-Île
Festival Lambians Créole: At Domaine du Relais on December 19 and 20, with parades and concerts.
A day of activities in Le Port
Fête de la Liberté: Activities and concerts in the neighborhoods, from 9 AM to 11 PM.
Heritage festivities in Sainte-Rose
Espace Jacoto: From 10 AM on December 20, followed by a kabar at Place des Laves from 5 PM.
A festive parade in Les Avirons
Parade and concerts: Activities in the town center on December 20.
Exhibitions and torchlight relay in La Plaine-des-Palmistes
Exhibition: On the abolition of slavery at the town hall from 9 AM to 10 PM.
Torchlight relay: In the evening.
A cultural program in Salazie
Festivities on December 21: Cultural workshops, chili-eating contest, and local concerts.
These festivities reflect the cultural and historical richness of La Réunion. Fête Kaf is much more than a celebration; it’s an invitation to honor the memory of ancestors and strengthen community bonds. Join us on December 20 in your commune to fully experience this exceptional day!
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