Do you want to visit Comoros? Lucky you! This is an island country in the Indian Ocean, and this, combined with the fact that its culture is tri-continental, that is, has elements of both African and Arabian and French origin, makes the country very interesting for tourists, more so for historians. However, if you have plans to visit a foreign country, there is some important advice you should consider first that may involve knowing that nation’s etiquette and customs so you don’t get on your hosts’ wrong side. Besides, just imagine not wanting to get that stigma of being that sodden fool in a foreign country, right? Now, let us discuss what every traveler should know about the social life of Comoros to avoid rude manners that are forbidden – or simply being an object of curiosity and attention!
First things first: greetings. Here in Comoros, the way you greet someone really establishes the kind of relationship you two are going to have. Friendly people are expected, and the community is very polite. In general, the first time you come across an individual you are not close to – at any given circumstance — you greet him or her with a handshake. And don’t rush through it—take your time, make eye contact, and maybe throw in a warm smile. If you’re a guy greeting a woman, though, wait to see if she offers her hand first. There’s a bit of a cultural divide in terms of gender interactions, and this is a simple way to show respect.
Now, in casual or everyday situations, especially with people you’ve already met, it’s all about greetings in the local languages. “Salama” is a common greeting, and a little effort to speak a word or two of Shikomori, Arabic, or French goes a long way. People will appreciate it when tourists attempt to speak a local language, even if it’s just a simple word. You see, a butchered “Salama” is so much better than no “Salama” at all. Your travel guide will be delighted with it.
Next up: how to dress. The given country is primarily Islamic, so the people dress modestly. While you might be tempted to don your beachwear 24/7 (this is an island, after all), it’s important to show some respect, especially in public places. For men, long pants and shirts with sleeves are preferred when you’re not lounging on the beach. The input that women should follow is one that concerns dressing that avoids exposing the shoulders and knees. As much as one might want to display more skin in the areas frequented by tourists, this is deemed safe for very conservative regions.
However, if you find yourself in malls, restaurants, or any other public places, or if you are visiting a mosque or any religious places, you will need to turn it up a bit. Your shoulders, arms, and legs must be fully covered, while women should carry a shawl or scarf with which to cover their hair. Even if you are not a religious person, it’s just good manners to demonstrate respect in such places.
Food is a big part of any culture, and in Comoros, sharing a meal is often a communal experience. If you’re invited to dine with locals, lucky you—Comorian food is delicious! But there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you’re not unintentionally committing any food faux pas.
First, wash your hands before you eat. It’s not just a hygiene thing; it’s a cultural thing. In many traditional households, you’ll be eating with your hands (specifically, your right hand), so cleanliness is a big deal. Speaking of hands, the right hand is king here. Whether you’re eating, passing food, or accepting something from someone, always use your right hand. The left hand? Well, it’s considered unclean because it's traditionally reserved for, let’s just say, personal hygiene tasks. So keep that left hand out of the dining action.
If you’re offered food, it’s polite to at least try a little of everything. Comorians take pride in their hospitality, and refusing food outright might come off as rude. On the flip side, don't feel obligated to stuff yourself. Just showing appreciation for the effort is what counts.
As mentioned earlier, Comoros is predominantly Muslim, and Islam plays a significant role in daily life. The call to prayer rings out five times a day, and you’ll notice that many locals take a moment to pray, especially during these times. If you hear the call to prayer, it’s respectful to keep the noise level down and be mindful of your surroundings. You don’t need to participate, but acknowledging the importance of these moments is appreciated.
During the holy month of Ramadan, things change a bit. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, which means no eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. If you’re visiting Comoros during Ramadan, it’s a good idea to be mindful of this, especially if you’re in more traditional areas. Eating in private or in designated areas for non-Muslims is the way to go. In tourist-heavy spots, you might find restaurants that are open, but being discreet is always a good call.
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Family is everything in Comoros. It’s the cornerstone of social life, and extended families often live together or at least in close proximity. If you’re invited to someone’s home, consider it a real honor. It’s a sign of trust and friendship, and it’s likely that you’ll be introduced to the whole family. When interacting with elders, show extra respect. Comorian society places a lot of value on age and wisdom, so addressing older individuals with a formal tone and giving them the best seat at the table are common practices. Even if you're in a relaxed, informal setting, these small gestures go a long way.
So, what happens if you’re invited to someone’s home? Do you bring a gift? The short answer is yes if you can. It’s not mandatory, but bringing a small token of appreciation—something like sweets or tea—is a thoughtful gesture. And if you’re staying with a family for an extended period, consider bringing something a bit more substantial, like a souvenir from your home country. Now, when you’re giving a gift, remember the right-hand rule again: always present the gift with your right hand or with both hands. It’s also a nice touch to make sure the gift is modestly wrapped, as flashy gifts can sometimes be seen as showy or inappropriate.
If you're traveling with a partner, you might want to hold off on those public displays of affection. Comoros is a pretty conservative place, and what might be considered a small gesture—like holding hands or kissing in public—could be seen as inappropriate. While you don’t have to act like strangers, it’s better to keep things low-key when you're out and about. A quick peck on the cheek might be fine in more touristy areas, but anything beyond that might raise a few eyebrows.
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So, there you have it—a crash course in Comorian etiquette and customs. While there are some rules to follow, the most important thing is to be open and respectful. You must be willing to embrace the local culture, and it will all be well.
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