Mahoran culture is one of the most singular treasures of French heritage. Born from complex settlement — Bantus of East Africa arriving around the 8th century, Islamised Arab traders from the 12th to 16th centuries, Sakalava Malagasy of the 17th century, Comorians of the 19th century and French from 1841 — it has generated over the centuries a cultural mosaic where Shafi'i Sunni Islam coexists with African-Malagasy customs and French legal status.
The official language is French, but Shimaore (Bantu language cousin to Swahili and Comorian) is spoken by about 60% of the population, and Kibushi (Malagasy dialect) by 30%, mainly in the north and west of Grande-Terre. Oral transmission remains strong in villages. A few words to remember: "jeje" (hello), "marahaba" (thank you), "karibu" (welcome), "insha'Allah" (God willing, an everyday expression).
Islam structures social life. Mayotte is 95% Muslim, of Shafi'i Sunni rite like most Muslims of the Indian Ocean. The five daily prayers pace the day, the call to prayer (azan) resounds from the mosques, Friday is the day of collective prayer. Ramadan (variable month according to the lunar calendar) is widely followed, with animated nightlife and family meals after breaking the fast (iftar). Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Kebir are the two great annual festivals. The traditional palm-roof mosques (Tsingoni mosque, one of the oldest mosques in France, founded in 1538) are numerous and visitable outside prayer hours.
The community life is organised around the village and the shungu (mutual aid circle). Voulés (traditional weddings) can last several days and involve the entire village. The m'biwi is a female a cappella chant accompanied by hand claps, classified as intangible cultural heritage. The banga (traditional colourful dwellings built by young men during their coming of age) are visible in all villages — painted with colourful motifs, they have become a symbol of Mayotte.
Traditional dress remains widely worn. Women wear the salouva (colourful draped skirt) and the chiroumani (headscarf), as well as the m'sindzano (cosmetic mask of sandalwood, applied to the face for sun protection and beauty). Men wear the kandzu (long white tunic) for ceremonies and Friday prayer.
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- Grande-Terre and Mamoudzou — The main island, the prefecture, the northern and southern beaches — the administrative and natural heart of Mayotte.
- Petite-Terre and Dzaoudzi — The satellite island and former capital, the Rocher de Dzaoudzi, Lac Dziani — concentrate of volcanic landscapes.
- The Lagoon of Mayotte — 1,500 km² of lagoon, humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles — one of the world's largest lagoons.
- Réunion — The other French department of the Indian Ocean — combinable with an Air Austral stopover from Mayotte.