The ethnic composition of the Comoros islands reflects a rich diversity of origins. Malagasy immigrants, Arabs, Persian traders, people from Madagascar, different Bantu groups from East Africa, and the Makua are combined to form a diverse nation. It is rich in terms of culture, lifestyle, and socialism.
Clothing
Traditional male clothing is a long white shirt known as a Nkandu, and a bonnet known as a Kofia. Women on Anjouan (Ndzuani) wear the Shiromani, which are red and white garments, and those on Ngazidja and Mwali wear colorful shawls called leso. women usually apply a paste of ground sandalwood and coral called msinzano to their faces.
Religion
Comoros’ religious composition is mainly made up of Muslims, particularly Sunni Muslims who make up about 98.4% of the population. There are other traditional groups, and other smaller religious groupings but are however very minimal, making up about 1.6% of the population.
Music
Music in Comoros includes Twarab music, which was imported from Zanzibar in the early 20th century, and remains the most influential genre on the islands. Music in Comoros combines influences from East African music and Malagasy Music. Traditional Comorian music uses instruments such as the oud, the violin, and the msondo. However contemporary groups now use modern instruments like guitars and keyboard. Other genres include influences from French Chanson, Muziki Wa dansi, Ngoma and Zouk, Arabic Music, and Comorian traditions. The gabusi, a type of lute, and the ndzendze, an instrument derived from the Malagasy valiha, are very popular instruments on the islands of Moheli and Anjouan.
Sports
Sporting codes in Comoros include basketball, soccer, athletics, tennis, swimming as well as cycling. Football, however, is the most widely played and popular sport in the country. The Comoros national football team became a member of the Confederation of African Football in 2003, and FIFA in 2005. They have played in various international events and qualifiers like the Africa Cup of Nations, Fifa World Cup Qualifiers, Aces Cup, the Francophone Games, and the Indian Ocean Games. Another popular sport in Comoros is basketball. The country was first involved in the Summer Olympic Games in 1996 which were held in Atlanta, and have been sending athletes to the Olympics over the years.
Food and cuisine
Cuisine in Comoros is filled with Arab and French influences, with a fusion of European, Middle Eastern, East African dishes. Meals in Comoros usually include ingredients like coconut milk, plantain, bananas, cassava, rice, goat meat, beef, or fish. Locally-caught fish, cod, crabs, and lobster, are all eaten as well. Some of the dishes you can enjoy in Comoros include:
Langouste a la vanilla- is a dish made of lobsters and vanilla beans. Other ingredients include butter, olive oil, shallots, white wine, vinegar, Vidalia, onions, clover sprouts, and spinach.
Le me tsolola- is a traditional dish made with fish, and meat cooked in coconut milk. Ingredients include cubed beef, onions, oil, tomatoes, seasoning, coconut milk, green bananas, and fish.
Mkatra foutr- is the staple bread of Comoros. It is made with flour, water, sugar, yeast, coconut milk, cream, and salt.
Pilaou- is a spiced meat and rice dish.
Ambrevades au curry- this is pigeon pea curry flavored with cardamom.
Ntrovi ya nazi- is made of fried or steamed fish with bananas and coconut stew.
Mshakiki- are meat kebabs that are served with grilled sides like cassava, bananas, and breadfruit.
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
