Réunion
"P'tit fleur fanée"

Words by: Georges Fourcade
Music by: Jules Fossy
In use since: 19th century

Réunion, an island in the Indian Ocean, is a French overseas department. The official anthem, like all other French overseas deparments, is the French anthem "La Marseillaise". However, there is a local song which is thought of by many Réunionese as their unofficial local anthem, "P'tit fler fanée".

The song dates to the 19th century, when songs on Réunion were mainly those which were brought over from Europe. The residents translated the songs into the local Creole spoken there and were then widely enjoyed in Réunion. The "Pétit fleur fanée" is an excellent example of such 19th century music in use on the island. The anthem is now taught in schools in Réunion, and most islanders are very familiar with the song.

Special thanks to: Pawel Ciupak for the MIDI.

See also: France.