Discovering Rodrigues

There are several hypothesis regarding the discovery of the “Cinderella of the Mascarenes'. Some think that the Island was discovered in 1528 by the Portuguese navigator Diego Rodriguez but others would rather say that it was by Diego Fernandez de Pereira, who according to history would be first to have explored this Island in 1507.

Who would be surprised to learn that the Arabs
already knew the existence of this Island?!?

In the 17th century, during the Dutch period, Wolphart Harman, Admiral of a fleet of 5 ships, landed in Rodrigues. His stay was however of short duration…
4 days later he left the Island.

Afterwards the island saw the short visits of the British, the French, the Dutch … Rodrigues was more strategic in 1644, for La Compagnie des Indes for their 3 months' missions.

Geography…

Rodrigues is located on latitude of 19 degrees and 42 centigrades at the South and on longitude of 63 degrees and 25 centigrade at the East. It is 18.3 kms long and 8 kms wide.

It lies 650 kms in the North-East of Mauritius Island.

Of volcanic origin, like Mauritius and Reunion Island it has been formed from by lava some 1.3 to 1.5 million years ago, the colors of its lagoon, the coral reef and its beaches contributes to the beauty of this island.
Rodrigues, a very mountaneous island, is far from being monotonous with its virgin beaches, its cultivated fields, its highest plateau the Mont Lubin, which reaches the 398 meters, its valleys and its forests which inhabits the famous `Golden Bats an endemic specie.

Splendid water falls can be admired at Manique, Maréchal and Victoire. A few Islets inhabited by endemic birds surround Rodrigues, such as L'Ile aux Cocos, L'Ile Hermitage, L'Ile aux Chats and L'Ile aux Sables … they are favourable for unforgettable excursions.

You will unfortunately not be able to admire the Solitaire. This bird was unable to fly underwent the same fate as it's Mauritian cousin, the Dodo.

Three species of tortoises which at one time populated the Island were also exterminated.

Climate…

The summer season starts in November and last till April with temperatures reaching 33 degrees, winter lasts from May to October with a temperatures that can low down to 15 degrees centigrade. The climate is in general hotter and dryer that Mauritius.

The “Cinderella of the Mascarenes” is unfortunately prone to winds blowing from the South-east and to cyclones. In spite of heavy rains, the island also suffers from a period of drought which is unbeneficial for the development of the agriculture.

Handicraft …

The handicraft industry, a very prosperous sector, is a major activity in the rodriguan lifestyle and represents an important source of income. This market is promoted in parallel with tourism.

The manufacture of hats, basket making, embroidery and the homemade pickles were the leading production of the Island. Recently, we have noticed new techniques in the manufacture of these products as well as new products such as tapestry, costume jewellery made from coconut shell, greetings cards, serigraphy and sculpture.

The traditional hat is a must in the rodriguan dress code.
Every Sunday, women proudly wear their colourful hats braided from aloe fibre, vetiver, coconut and Vacoas leaves.

Gastronomy…

Rodrigues proposes a simple, authentic and tasty kitchen. Creole sausage Rougaille, octopus curry, green papaw salad, rodriguan fruit pie (Tourte) and the exceptional world class honey, are among the many dishes to be discovered at the numerous tables d'hotes on the island. Corn has traditionally been cultivated and consumed as a main dish for tears.

Festivals and Traditions…

The rodriguan social life is often marked by important festivals.Every December sees the Créole festival which gathers hundreds of artists.On the 15th of August “The Accordion day” organized by the association of the accordionists takes place. This day gathers accordionists coming from all around the Island.

Even if weddings, baptisms and first communions give place to spectacular rejoicings, the most important festival is the end of the year festivities. Each family kills a pig, which will be grilled or roasted. This period of festivity will be completed in January at the time of the Epiphany, which rodriguans commonly call `le roi boir'

Deep down, we all have the burning desire to be as authentic as rodriguans. To express gratitude towards all the possible gifts that they have been blessed with by ocean and nature, special and simple feasts accompanied by the stimulative tunes of accordions are organized …

A stress free art of living that we should adopt from the people who smile warmly towards life…