CulturalActivities

Cultural Activities and Festivals

Cultural activities play an important part in the lives of the Comorian at home and abroad.

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The primary objective of this page is to present to our audience with some of the remarkable and extraordinary cultural activities of the Island of Grande Comore. We hope that the materials we present to you in this section of our Web Site will help you to learn and understand more about some of the Comorian cultural activities practiced mainly in Grande Comore.

We have provided you with links to all other pages, which focus on each and every aspect of these cultural activities. Therefore, try not to miss the chance of navigating through every page, while visiting this Site.
While exploring these cultural activities and festivals, you will notice that the Grand Comorian cultural practices and festivities are quite different compared to those of the African mainland.
Since the Comorian people are a blend of different origins, who came to settle in the Islands from different parts of the world, it should be noted that cultural activities and festivals came along with them. Therefore, Comorian traditions and festivities are a rich inter-mingle of the inhabitants’ different origins and influences. This is what generates the differences between the Comorian cultural practices to those of the African mainland.

Dressing Code

Since the Comorian people are dominantly Muslims, women are much encouraged to dress modestly, especially when going out of their homes. However, there is no restriction on how one should dress, but many women prefer to dress modestly.
Traditional dressing is also widely used in daily bases, especially by the elderly, male and female. Young people normally dress whatever they feel comfortable with. However, during certain events, occasions and ceremonies, everyone is expected to dress the costume that best suit the occasion.

During special occasions such as Djuma'a (Friday) prayers and Big Weddings, men usually wear Nkandu or Djuba, which are long loose clothing of Arab influence. They are accessorized with a traditional handmade Comorian hat known as Kofia (see photos above). The Young women dress in overly decorated dresses or materials ensemble. These are very colorful and very beautiful. It must be said that the Comorian women love their colors and especially the shine on the clothing.

The most popular traditional attire for women is the Shiromani. This is a long, loose one-piece wrap worn normally on top of garments. They are usually red and white/black and white but women prefer to dye them in indigo and other colors. One tail of the wrap is used to cover the hair. Young people less fussy about what they wear. They wear anything they can afford. For footwear, the popular and most affordable is the rubbery sandals which are very practical in such hot weather. Most the most fashionable go for trainers and high heels.

Women's beauty

Alongside the Western beauty treats, Comorian women have their own traditional beautification. They often use Msindanu which is yellowy paste made from grinding sandalwood on a limestone coral (known as bwe lamsindanu in the local language) with the addition of a little water. Women apply this as facial beauty mask.
It cleanses the skin, making it appear smoother, clearer and younger looking. It also gives protection against the sun. Women wear it for long periods of time night and day traveling from place to place with no complex. It is normal for them but foreigners may find it weird or fearful. Women often accompany this with beautiful shiromani.

As many African women do, women in Comoros love to plait their hair in both simple and intricate designs. This is known there as Wusuka. Sometimes hair extensions are added to the hair styles. Nowadays many women choose to relax their hair using relaxing crea, making their hair straight and longer. This is very evident when there is a Big Wedding. Women hair salons are uncommon (if they exist at all) so people do each others hair in their houses for free.

Women also beautify themselves with Henna. They draw beautiful patterns on their palms and also apply it to both finger and toe nails. They decorate their feet as well. Henna is more popular and practical than nail vanish because in Islam you are not allowed to pray with nail vanish on. When washing (making Wudu) for prayers (Swalat) water must touch your nail and nail vanish prevents this.

A practice which has perhaps reduced is brushing your teeth with a traditional orange root of a tree found in Comoros. It is called Mlala and women use it occasionally because it whitens the teeth and protects against gum disease giving you a healthy mouth. However it also makes your gums reddy orange which is perhaps why its usage has decreased.

It is evident that Comorian women like beautifying themselves and fashion is such an important aspect of their life. They love following the latest trend and although money maybe scarce some always turn up when it comes to buying clothing and beauty. The traditional beauty treats are inexpensive but many prefer the Western products.

Traditional food

Traditional food is based on the local farming productions, including Cassava, Green Banana, sweet potatoes, Yam, Fruit Cake and Rice with Meat. All these different type of food are normally cooked in similar manners. Some can be cooked with meat and fish. They can also be fried boiled or barbecued with meat or fish.

Social norms and Values

There are a wide significant of social norms and values, which members the society are expected to adhere in a every day life. Thses can be explained as follow:

• One should respect the elderly, no matter their social status or family background.
• When a young man sees a person, who is older than him, he must offer greetings.
• The same applies to young female when she meets an older person
• Men should respect women
• Young people including children should offer their elders a respectful, traditional greeting known as "Kwezi". It is performed by crossing your palms on top of each other (right palm on top) and offering it to the elder and simultaneously pronouncing the word "Kwezi". The recipient accepts this offering by tapping your palms and saying "Mbona" meaning be healthy or well. The young person then 'smells' or kisses the hand of the elder. This applies to both males and females
• You should not overtake an elder when walking
• When eating with people, you should keep you hand/spoon in the food even if you had enough and pretend to eat.
• When an elder is talking to you, you should listen and do not answer back
• When talking you should not keep direct eye contact with an elder as this is seen as a direct challenge. Instead you should lower your gaze and nod your head.
• You should respect your parents and talk to them kindly especially in old age• You should look after your parents when in old age.• When in public it recommended for women to cover their hair or chest with a wrap/scarf reflecting into the Islamic dressing code.

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