Seychelles ready to welcome carnival 2013 |12 January 2013

Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange said this yesterday, adding that preparations for the event are going well.

He met the Seychelles Tourism Board’s team to see how preparations are going and have met all the partners who have an important part in assuring the success of this carnival.

Mr St Ange said this year they have taken into account suggestions and comments made by members of the public.

One of the main concerns raised was that the opening ceremony of last year’s carnival was centred on the invited guests.
 
Taking this into consideration, the organisers have made sure to that the public at large have a better view of the show.

Another concern from members of the public is that the ambiance in Victoria fades after the floats procession.

“This year there will be music in Victoria from 4pm on February 8 and this will keep the town lively until February 10,” he said.

“We are keeping Victoria alive during the three days and we are ensuring that the Seychellois people as well as visitors really see the joie de vivre of our people.”

“During the next three weeks, we will give out a message that the carnival is coming, it is for Seychelles and for every Seychellois,” he added.

He is calling on the private sector and the business community in Seychelles to contribute towards the preparation of the carnival, such as decorations in town to make it lively, welcoming and colourful.

Mr St Ange said this is the time for those who want to support and contribute towards the success of the carnival to do so.

More than 200 local artists are expected to take part in this year’s activities for the carnival alongside international ones.

Mr St Ange said this is the second consecutive year that Reunion Island is the co-organiser of this carnival.

He added that there is a cost to it which enables them to increase their visibility as a tourist destination and has accepted that Zimbabwe also becomes a co-host of the carnival.

Mr St Ange said discussions will be held with South Africa so that the country becomes a main co-organiser of the Seychelles carnival in the future.

“We have also invited Mauritius to join us as a co-organiser of the event, but they do not want to pay the sum,” he said.

“They can simply take part in the carnival and they will not have to pay the sponsorship fee we are asking. They will only have to pay for their tickets and accommodation expenses.”

More than 20 countries are expected to take part in this year’s carnival which includes Brazil and Belgium as well as those in the region.