Ahead of the Day of the Dead, many Reunion Islanders went to the island's cemeteries this Friday morning to put flowers on the graves of their loved ones. At Etang-Saint-Paul, children water the graves in exchange for “ti coin”, a tradition.
It is a long tradition, still in force in this cemetery of Etang-Saint-Paul. On this All Saints' Day, the neighborhood marmayes offer their help to the many visitors to water the flower pots that adorn the cellars.
Watch the report from Réunion La 1ere:
All Saints' Day at the Étang-Saint-Paul cemetery
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©Reunion the 1st
For Alia, 10 years old, this is a first. “I go to the tap, I press, I wait for it to fill and I go see the people and I water their graves” describes the little girl, who has nicely stuffed her wallet.
“Since this morning, she’s been burning, running everywhere”
“Since this morning she's been burning, she's running everywhere, she goes towards people. She's sociable but a little shy, we were a little scared with her dad but it's going really well”smiles his mother.
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©Reunion the 1st
Like Alia, many of these children have come to help in exchange for “ti coin”, and have been doing so since very early this morning. “I've been here since 5am”, said this young boy of around ten years old. “And me 6am”adds his comrade. “We water the graves to make money. It’s fun and we make people happy.”
For this elderly lady, watching the children busy with their watering cans, it brings back good memories. “I did that too when I was little and it’s good to see it continue.”
“It’s very hot, so it helps people and it’s very good”confirms this Saint-Paulois who came to the cemetery with his family.
“At one euro per watering can, it gives them a little pocket money and it teaches them the value of money”greets this other visitor.
On this weekend dedicated to the deceased, everyone seems to appreciate seeing these young people full of life participating in the commemorations and perpetuating traditions.
