History of Cirque de Mafate

The history of the Cirque de Mafate dates back to the era of slavery on Réunion Island. According to oral tradition, the cirque’s name comes from a runaway slave named Mafate or Mahafaty, who sought refuge in these hard-to-reach mountains to escape the colonists. Thanks to its rugged terrain and natural isolation, the cirque quickly became a refuge for fleeing slaves.

These men and women, called “marrons,” developed a way of life based on self-sufficiency and survival, using the territory’s natural resources. They lived under particularly harsh conditions, structuring daily life around hunting, gathering, and rudimentary farming. The Cirque de Mafate is thus deeply connected to the history of runaway slaves, symbolizing resistance and freedom.

After the abolition of slavery in 1848, some families chose to stay in the cirque and settled there permanently. They gradually established the first îlets, developing subsistence farming based mainly on corn, beans, and livestock. This isolated way of life, with no road access, helped preserve traditions and unique skills on Réunion Island.

Over generations, a true community formed in Mafate, with its own customs, social organization, and a strong Creole cultural identity. Despite the challenges of isolation, the inhabitants maintained a balance between nature and human activity.

Even today, the Cirque de Mafate retains this strong identity, marked by its historical past and the courage of its first inhabitants. This unique territory has become a symbol of Réunionese heritage, where the history of runaway slaves and Creole culture remain deeply rooted in the daily life of the Mafatais.