A large group of Catholic worshippers gathered at La Grotte in Anse Réunion, La Digue, on 15 August.
The gathering marked the annual Feast of the Assumption, locally known as Lafet La Digue.
The Feast of the Assumption honours the Virgin Mary, the island’s patron saint. It is also La Digue’s biggest cultural and religious festival.
The multi-day celebration attracts visitors, residents from Mahé and Praslin, and foreign visitors.
The celebration began with an open-air mass at La Grotte in Anse Réunion.
New Bishop Landry Philippe Rasamison presided over the mass. It marked his first Feast of the Assumption on La Digue.
Following the mass, worshippers joined a procession through the streets of La Digue.
They carried a decorated statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the Grotto towards St Mary’s Church.
Worshippers followed local traditions during the procession. Many wore blue and white clothing. Children also took part in First Communion attire.
Along the route, Bishop Landri blessed statues of the Virgin Mary displayed at some residents’ homes.
The procession ended at St Mary’s Church.
A new grotto was unveiled outside the church during the celebration.
Bishop Landri blessed the new grotto following its unveiling.
Two businessmen from La Digue donated the grotto.
The Feast of the Assumption remains an annual religious and cultural gathering on La Digue.