An Odyssey of Dance, Delicacies, and Deep-rooted Traditions: Where the World Meets Creole Culture
October 2022 saw the streets of Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, come alive with colour and fervour. On our journey to a boutique hotel offering panoramic views, the city was enrobed in the Festival Kreol’s festive hues. From drawings to banners and placards, all proclaiming messages in the Creole language, there was no missing the festival’s presence. As one walked past the National Museum, the National Library, or around the iconic Tower Clock – Victoria’s pride and a magnet for photographers – the essence of the Kreol spirit was palpable.
Held as the cultural pinnacle among the archipelago’s 115 islands, the Festival Kreol is the most significant event on Seychelles’ cultural calendar. The festival embraced the theme ‘Lansman Lasezon Kreol’, mesmerizing locals and numerous foreign visitors with its vibrant events.
The anticipation was set rolling with the unveiling the official poster crafted by the talented local artist Urny Mathiot at the famous Beau Vallon beach, a bustling spot on the main island, Mahé.
The Seychelles International Conference Centre (ICCS) in Victoria was the chosen venue for the official opening ceremony. The President of the Republic of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan, his spouse, Linda Ramkalawan, and elected government officials were in attendance. The event also drew local celebrities and Diplomatic and Consular Corps members, both from Seychelles and abroad.
David André, the Secretary General of the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage, and the Arts, captured the essence of the festival in his inaugural address. “This Festival,” he began, “reflects every Seychellois Creole’s soul. It’s our time to embrace our identity and cherish and safeguard our invaluable heritage.”
As the night progressed, the festival paid homage to four pioneers who worked tirelessly to preserve the Seychellois Creole culture. Their efforts were honoured with trophies, recognizing their immense contribution to the cause.
The highlight of the evening was the show ‘La Salle Verte.’ It showcased kamtole songs, contredanse, waltz, avant quatre, and kotis dances. The Moutya, Seychelles’ traditional dance with African roots, took centre stage, especially considering its recognition as an intangible UNESCO heritage since 2021.
The festivities resonated with Joseph Samy’s performance of ‘La Sezon Kreol inn ré fléri’. This composition, which has evolved into the festival’s anthem, further elevated the event’s spirit.
In all its glory, the 37th edition of the Festival Kreol was a celebration of culture and a testament to the rich tapestry of history, heritage, and identity that Seychelles holds dear.
Musique Mystiques des Seychelles
After garnering applause at Expo Dubai and UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, the show “Musique Mystiques des Seychelles” went to local shores. It was showcased at the International Conference Center Seychelles (ICCS) and set the tone for a plethora of activities that followed, ranging from animated performances, conferences, and workshops to “Moment de Créativité“ and the “Concours de discours Creol“, where schoolchildren presented to an older audience.
The heart of Victoria pulsed with the beat of the festival as shops near Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market and along pedestrian Market Street echoed local music throughout the day. Adjacently, the National Museum provided a platform for musicians, treating lunchtime passers-by to delightful concerts. Indeed, the Seychelles Festival Kreol reaffirmed its position as the archipelago’s most cherished event, drawing locals and foreign tourists alike.
Mass – Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Victoria’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception echoed with the soulful Creole Mass. A yearly staple in the festival’s itinerary, the Mass became a haven for the faithful to rejoice in Seychelles’ tradition, language, and culture. In Beau Vallon, the “Fon Lonmal” fashion show became a canvas for local designers, displaying a spectrum of fashion narratives.
Seychelles Festival Kreol: Launch of Bazar Kréol in Au Cap
The debut of the Kreol Bazaar at the National Creole Institute in Au Cap marked a significant chapter in the festival. This vibrant marketplace showcased handicrafts, culinary delights, and artistic masterpieces ranging from paintings to sculptures. Offering a platform to smaller exhibitors opened doors for them to connect with a larger audience.
Creole Evening – Praslin
A heartfelt celebration was ensured for those unable to travel from Praslin and La Digue islands to Mahé. Local festivities held at ‘Les Lauriers Eco Hotel & Restaurant’ on the Anse Volbert coast and ‘La Pirogue Lodge & Restaurant’ in Baie Saint-Anne proved a considerable success.
The chef at Les Lauriers, Edwin Rose, delighted guests with a Creole buffet featuring delectable marinated meats, fish, and seafood straight off the grill. The feast included many achards made from crisp, raw vegetables. Adding a delightful rhythm to the evening was a musical ensemble, accompanied by dancers, that got everyone on their feet, including diverse international vacationers.
Moutya Night at Baie Lazare
Parallel to the main festival events, “Moutya Night” painted a cultural masterpiece. Organized by Guillaume Albert, CEO of Creole Travel Services, at Cap Lazare Nature & Restaurant (Mahé), this gathering encapsulated the spirit of Seychellois culture. The venue, an Albert family private estate, transformed into a haven for Creole authenticity. Exquisite music, expert dancers, a buffet laden with Creole specialities, and unlimited exotic drinks ensured an unforgettable experience for the 250 guests. Albert expressed his vision for Cap Lazare as the preferred spot for patrons returning from day trips to Victoria and Mahé, where they can savour local flavours and bask on the pristine beach.
Ceremony – Wedding Tifin
A classic event that’s eagerly awaited each year, the ‘Tifin’ wedding ceremony harkens back to olden-day Seychellois nuptials. Organized by the festival’s committee, it saw two couples tie the knot on a picturesque Mahé beach. Traditional musicians set the ambience as the procession moved ahead, reminding everyone of the richness of Seychellois traditions. Notable attendees included the Minister of Tourism and Foreign Affairs of Seychelles, the Chinese Ambassador to Seychelles, the Mayor of Victoria, as well as a blend of Korean, French, and local guests. Together, they witnessed the beauty and tradition of a ‘Tifin’ wedding in Seychelles.
Dimans Kréol Bonlanmer – Beau Vallon
The “Dimans Kréol Bonlanmer” day was a delightful mix of families and tourists from around the world, including Europe and Asia, at the Beau Vallon beach. Culinary stalls provided a taste of local specialities, with coconut water a delight for foreign visitors. While some visitors were there to unwind with family and friends, others played dominos beneath the shade of a massive Takamaka tree.
As the sun set, the real party began. A large stage hosted musical performances by some of the archipelago’s most renowned artists, including Julia Seychelles and Patrick Victor. Late into the night, an enthralling moutya performance captivated the audience. Foreign tourists left their hotels to join the locals in celebrating the rhythmic beats of the ravannes.
Bal Bobes
Another highlight was the eagerly anticipated “Bal Bobes,” a part of the Festival Kreol. Starting at 6 PM, it had participants dancing till 6 AM. Bal Bobes, a tradition encompassing Moutya, Sega, Waltz, and Contredanse, saw people of all ages dancing. Mathilda Bright from Persévérance village (Mahé) shared that “Bal Bobes” was associated with a time when, without electricity, Seychellois and Mauritians would light up party rooms using oil-soaked wicks. In homage to those times, around 11:30 PM to midnight, the music and dance paused for a soup to be served to the attendees, reenergizing them to continue partying until 6 AM, when the festival ended. However, the party at Roche Caiman extended beyond 6 AM, finally wrapping up at 9 AM.
Spread across almost October, the Festival Kreol Seychelles 2022 was a whirlwind of excitement, offering vacationing tourists a rare opportunity. One rarely gets to experience such a festival’s unique ambience and festivities up close while on holiday in Seychelles.
Festival Kreol 2022 was an unforgettable odyssey through the annals of time, the vibrancy of culture, and the very spirit of Seychelles. Each dance, song, and cherished tradition mirrored the deep-rooted essence of Creole culture, revealing the heartbeat of a nation. As we look forward to the 2023 edition, we expect it to be an equally enchanting experience, if not more. May you find the same joy and resonance in the upcoming festivities, cherishing every moment as much as the last.
