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History
The commune owes its name to André Héguerty, Governor of Bourbon Island from 1739 to 1743. From 1718 onwards, the island’s fertile soils were planted with tea, coffee, manioc, tobacco, corn, cloves, rice, vanilla and wheat.
The second half of the 19th century saw a large-scale immigration of Indian indentured laborers to work on the sugar estates. Saint-André is thus considered the cradle of Réunion’s Tamil culture.
Agenda
Lantern Festival (February)
The lion dance is the highlight of the Lantern Festival. According to Chinese tradition, this ritual heralds good fortune and drives away demons. In Saint-André, the festival is spread over three days, during which the public can take part in a wide range of workshops: floral and culinary, calligraphy, art of living, fruit and vegetable carving. A podium in the colors of China hosts prestigious demonstrations of martial arts, traditional song and dance, and a fashion show. The most magical moment of the event is the release of lanterns on the edge of the water park.
Dipavali (October or November)
Saint-André invites India to its 10-day Dipavali Festival. This Hindu event symbolizes the passage from darkness to light. An opportunity to inaugurate a village of a thousand and one flavours. Delicious dishes, pastries and beverages waft through the alleys of Parc du Colosse. Dipavali is full of treasures, with colorful performances of traditional and Bollywood dances, and unforgettable moments such as the holî. The emblem of Dipavali remains the grand parade, the final podium and its fireworks display, which attracts over 20,000 onlookers every year.