Residents of Mayotte try to celebrate Christmas, eleven days after the passage of Cyclone Chido

Sometimes the magic of Christmas comes down to the relief of finding yourself safe and sound. We are in one of only two churches in Mayotte (Overseas), where the majority of inhabitants are Muslims. One of the only buildings almost intact, but the shadow of the cyclone still remains in people's minds. “We don't really have the heart to celebrate. We try to tell ourselves that it's a happy day, but with all the context, it's a little more complicated”confides a faithful. No midnight mass because of the curfew, so the faithful came in large numbers on Wednesday morning.

A Christmas marked by sobriety and solidarity, with some donations of toys and rice for the victims. And, above all, the simple pleasure of coming together. “I was in low spirits, so it makes me feel good”explains a resident. The noise of the generator has replaced the Christmas carols, but at the table, there is still foie gras and in everyone the gratitude to be there. A short break and a breath of hope on an island where there is still much to rebuild.

Watch the full report in the video above.