Seychelles is a destination of all wonders housing sublime beaches with dazzling blue lagoons and a rare flora and fauna. The multi-colored Seychelles carnival, held every year, only adds to the island’s charm. Many tourists find themselves quite lucky when visiting the Seychelles during the time of this electrifying carnival. Seychelles definitely knows how to entertain its visitors, no time to get bored in there.
Entertainment is “au rendez vous”. The Carnival is one of the most inspiring global event which attracts an international crowd with over 30,000 tourists in the paradise island of the Seychelles. Experiencing the color, atmosphere and excitement of this incomparable festival is like no other, Seychelles islands remain the favorite spot of many travelers and fun enthusiasts.
Why celebrate the Seychelles Carnival?
Seychelles has always been known as a blend of different cultures and ethnicities of people from the four corners of the globe. The idea of the Seychelles carnival came up to spread the message of unity, togetherness and equality. This event represents the ideal opportunity to bring people of the world together in a joyful ambiance and consequently helping in discovering, sharing and respecting cultures and heritage of different nations. This famous annual festival has enabled Seychelles to become the meeting place for cultures, colors and music of the world.
Where is the Seychelles Carnival held?
This annual carnival is held in the capital city of Victoria in Seychelles’ main island; Mahé. The capital is elegantly decorated and becomes a stage for representatives of the world to showcase their cultural heritage.
The Seychelles carnival’s schedule
Generally conducted in April of each year since 2011, the carnival lasts for 3 days where entertainment is at its top. Within this 3 days extravaganza, Seychelles carnival welcomes more than 1,500 participants from 30 countries. You can assume that it is one of the biggest cultural manifestation in the globe.
Carnival: 1st day
With the excitement building weeks beforehand and local radio station playing constantly the carnival music, the locals, tourists and participants are all excited and eager. The first day starts with a Grand Opening Ceremony where a speech will be delivered by the Tourism minister and other ministers followed by a spectacle, music and dance. Big screens are set up to give the crowd a better view. The lively Seychellois people certainly know how to put on a show.
Carnival: 2nd day
It’s parade time! Different groups coming from across the world will wait for their turn to parade through the roads of Victoria all while creating a fabulously fun atmosphere. Various costumes reflecting different cultures, all on the same land, from Brazilian dancers to pyramidal acrobatics from India, the Seychelles carnival deserves its title “the carnival of carnivals”. Dancing on the rhythm of the ‘tambours and ravaan’ of Reunion and Mauritius respectively is unique in the Seychelles. The city teems with energy, happiness, peace and harmony, the 4 elements needed for a successful carnival.
Carnival: 3rd day
Time to say goodbye carnival, the last day unfortunately but the fun is still on. Starting with the children’s carnival followed by high energy dance and music, spectacle and the prize giving ceremony after which the carnival officially comes to an end.
International participants
Named as the ‘carnivals of carnivals’, Seychelles demonstrates the strong desire to improve the world. Delegation from Mauritius, Reunion, Germany, Madagascar, Mayotte, KwaZulu Natal, Brazil, Brazil, China, Dusseldorf, Mozambique, Notting Hill of the UK, Cape Town, Trinidad and Tobago, USA of America, France, Italy, Indonesia, Zambia and Zimbabwe attend this prestigious festival to exhibit their cultures and custom.
Within this 3 days fiesta, the International Carnival of the Seychelles enveloped the various cultures of the world in one single place. A great opportunity to spot the Brazilian dancers, Zydeco band, Sami tribe singers, Chinese acrobats, Cowgirl, Masai warriors, Himalayan musicians and Indonesian dancers. The Carnival will definitely quench your thirst of discovering new cultures!
The Seychelles carnival is highly mediatised, journalists across the world come to cover the event. For the 6th edition (April 2016), over 100 journalists came to the island, according to the Seychelles Tourism Board.
Supporters of Seychelles Carnival
The national airline of Seychelles and of the Arab Emirates; Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways respectively have been sponsoring the Carnival for 3 years now. For the 6th edition, Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer, Mr Roy Kinnear said that he was very delighted to support the carnival once again and emphasize on the importance of showcasing cultures and values.
Accommodations
The Wharf Hotel & Marina
Perfectly positioned, the Wharf hotel is close to the airport, it is an ideal stopover point for those who has endured long flights. A very tranquil hotel with a peaceful atmosphere, situated in the capital city Victoria.
Le Jardin des Palmes
30 minutes from the airport, le Jardin des Palmes hotel is in the heart of a lush tropical garden. Located in the South Western Coast of Mahé, the hotel is reputed for its serene atmosphere and for its splendid view over the Bay of Anse La Mouche.
A Foodie Carnival
In terms of dishes, Seychelles carnival will not disappoint you, from street vendors to top notch restaurant, the carnival has lot to offer. The Del Place Bar and Restaurant on Port Launay Rd are famous spots which propose yummy creole and seafood cuisine.
However, to get in the Seychellois mood you should also try the small vendors in the capital, they are influenced by countries like France and China and provides tasty food. They will whet your appetite for sure.
Top things to do in Mahé
- Visit Victoria Market
- Enjoy nature in the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
- Discover the history of Seychelles with the Natural History Museum
- Dive in the Indian Ocean
- Lay back in the paradisiac beach of Anse Source d’Argent.
This fabulous archipelago took carnivals to the next level, the magic never ends in Seychelles.
