Seychelles is an island country in the Indian Ocean. Uninhabited prior to the arrival of Europeans, it faced competing French and British interests for many decades. As a result, the culture of Seychelles is an eclectic mix of British, French and African influences, with infusion of Indian and Chinese elements. Most of the Seychellois are mixed race with African, European and Asian heritage, and identify as Creole.
The Seychellois are proud of their Creole heritage and celebrate it during the annual Festival Kreol (Seychelles Creole Festival) that was inaugurated in the 1980s. The festival focuses on preserving and promoting Creole traditions. During most of October, Seychelles come alive with a colorful and vibrant showcase of Creole music, dance, arts, crafts, and cuisine.
p>Various events and activities are held throughout the archipelago, but the main fun takes place in Victoria, the capital and largest city of Seychelles situated on the island of Mahé. The opening ceremony, which traditionally takes place in Victoria, begins with an official ceremony, often opened by the President, with key government officials in attendance for speeches that set the tone for the festival. After the formalities, the real festivities begin as the street party takes over. With shows, Creole disco, tastings of traditional dishes, lively music, and much more, the celebration continues in full swing until the early morning hours.The rich and diverse program of the Festival Kreol includes exhibitions featuring local artists, community-organized events in various districts (markets, street parties, parades), music and dance performances, the Cultural Bazaar with Creole crafts and food, traditional festivities, celebrations at local churches, family fun, fashion shows, beauty pageants, and more. The diverse lineup of cultural events culminates in a lively parade through Victoria.
Seychelle music and dance play a very important role in the festivities. Drawing from African, Malagasy, and European influences, traditional music often features rhythmic drums and simple string instruments. It incorporates African rhythms and instruments along with European styles such as contredanse, polka, and mazurka. Influences from French folk, Mauritian and Réunionese sega, pan-African, Polynesian, Indian, and Arcadian music also contribute to the vibrant soundscape of the islands.
Popular dances include the Sega, known for its sensual hip movements and foot shuffling, and the Moutya, a powerful dance that originated during the era of slavery, used to express deep emotions and resistance.
In the 2010s, Victoria also used to host an annual Carnival that also celebrated Creole culture. However, after the 2016 edition of the Carnival it was decided to merge it with the Festival Kreol to avoid competition between the two events and make the Creole Festival even more vibrant.
Photo: afrotourism.com
