Saint-André

Where the name comes from

Originally a section of Sainte-Suzanne called Saint-Joseph, the locality changed its name around 1740 in honour of a government representative of the time. Now the island's fifth most populous municipality, it is home to a large community of Tamil origin and several Hindu temples, including the Colosse temple.

History

Saint-André developed on the north-east coast, fed by the abundant waters of the Rivière du Mât and by some of the highest rainfall on the island. The first settlements date back to the 17th century, and the municipality quickly became a sugar-producing centre thanks to its fertile, well-watered land.

Saint-André is the historic heart of Réunion's Tamil community. Descendants of the indentured labourers (engagés) who came from southern India after the abolition of slavery in 1848, the Malbars (Réunionese of Tamil descent) of Saint-André have preserved their traditions: colourful temples dedicated to Murugan and Mariamman, the Cavadee and Dipavali festivals, and Indian culinary and musical practices blended with Creole culture.

Les Grandes Pluies, a coastal district of the municipality, is among the wettest areas on the island, with more than 3,000 mm of rain a year feeding lush vegetation. Saint-André's lively and colourful covered market reflects the wealth of local produce and the cultural diversity of this densely populated municipality.

Landscapes

Saint-André is a low-lying coastal municipality largely given over to sugar cane. The Rivière du Mât crosses the municipality from north to south. The coastline is rocky and exposed to easterly swells. The hinterland climbs gradually towards the upland forests, offering a transition from plantation landscape to humid tropical forest.

Local culture

The most densely populated municipality on the east coast, Saint-André embodies the vitality of Réunion's Tamil culture. Colourful Hindu temples are strong markers of identity in the townscape. Séga and maloya sit alongside Tamil devotional songs during the religious festivals that punctuate the community calendar throughout the year.

Why it matters

Tamil culture, sugar cane, vanilla and the Temple du Colosse: Saint-André is the municipality where Réunion's Indian heritage is most visible.