VICTORIA, Seychelles – The 38th Seychelles Creole Festival showcased eight vibrant events across the month of October, celebrating the archipelago’s cultural heritage on its three most populated islands: Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.
According to Seychelles News Agency, the festival highlighted a range of activities from music to traditional ceremonies, each underscoring aspects of Creole identity.
The Creole Song competition concluded with Roland Madeleine winning for his moutya song “Dife Kreol.” The contest, aimed at fostering musical creativity, was initiated in February by the Creative Seychelles Agency (CSA) in partnership with the National Arts and Crafts Council. Madeleine was awarded first place at the “Spektak Popouri” held at Victoria’s International Conference Centre.
In a unique blend of cultural tradition and personal celebration, François Du Plessis and Laetitia Borsch, a South African couple and professional anthropologists, exchanged vows in the Tifin Traditional Wedding ceremony. The event, part of the festival’s customs, took place at the Vye Marmit restaurant in the Au Cap district, with 80 guests in attendance.
Music continued to resonate at the Selebo – Creole Music Show, featuring local and international artists. This event was staged by the Seychellois group Tanmi at the Stad Popiler car park and included performances by Malagasy residents and an Indian ensemble.
Fashion took center stage at the “Lafoli Lanmod” event, where Seychellois stylists exhibited their creations, emphasizing local materials and design. Replacing the “Fon Lanmal” fashion show, this new addition awarded top honors in various styling categories at Domaine de Val des Pres, Au Cap.
Introducing a new competitive element, the film “Viv an Kreol” invited participants to explore and document Creole life. Seven entrants vied for the title in amateur and professional brackets, with Johnny Volcere and Emmanuel Gobin taking home the top prizes in their respective categories.
Schoolchildren from various educational levels displayed their artistic talents during the Moman Kreativite (School Creativity Show) at the International Conference Centre, engaging in storytelling, drama, singing, and dance.
The Bal Bobes (Creole Ball) marked the festival’s grand finale on October 31, with three separate events to accommodate demand, stretching into the early morning at venues including the Seafront Restaurant of the International Conference Centre.
Finally, the Batenm poupet (Baptising of dolls) orchestrated by the Fondasyon Leritaz Sesel (Seychelles Heritage Foundation) at Domaine de Val des Pres offered a communal, nostalgic reflection on the past, drawing in numerous participants for a ceremony led by Father Davis Mathiot and Deacon Louis Agathine.
The Creole Festival’s events not only honored the traditions and languages of Seychelles but also reinforced the nation’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its unique Creole identity.