A festive season with a difference |11 December 2013

Christmas lights, colourful decorations and giant Christmas trees and Santa Claus are all part of the décor to bring more cheer to the festive season in Victoria.

Since the weekend, Christmas lights as well as public buildings and premises have been lit up.

A committee made up of key partners from the public and private sectors was formed under the auspices of the Mayor’s Office to organise the lighting up and decoration of Victoria for this festive season.

According to a press release from the Office of the Mayor, new lights and decoration have been added this year.

One of the highlights are giant Christmas trees and Santa Claus that will add in to the ambiance.

The star located on the hill at Sans Soucis will shine again on Victoria after being missed for the past five years.

Christmas lights were to be switched on December 1, but due to shipping delays this had to be postponed.

The Office of the Mayor has actively engaged the private sector to decorate their business premises as well as some key features in town.

Vijay Construction has contributed to the décor and reparation of the star, while the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has been discussing with shop owners to remain open until at least 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays during the festive season and until late in the afternoon on Saturdays.

The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation will adjust their schedule to accommodate night shoppers.

Cyclists from the Seychelles Cycling Association will ride around Victoria on Saturdays, dressed as Santa Claus while the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) choir will sing Christmas carols around Victoria.

Another activity to look forward to in Victoria during the festive days is the annual Christmas fair organised by the Small Enterprise Promotion Agency (Senpa).

The fair will be open from 10am until 6pm on December 18, 19, 20 and 21.

Children from Foyer de Nazareth and Sainte Elizabeth Convent will also be enjoying an afternoon out at the Peace Park to celebrate La fête des Saints Innocents, courtesy of Soroptimists International Club of Victoria.

The Office of the Mayor and the organising committee has expressed words of thanks to the Vijay Construction Pty Limited, the Harter family, Air Seychelles, Airtel, Development Bank of Seychelles, Seychelles Commercial Bank, Soroptimists International Club of Victoria, Mary Geers, Nouvobanq, PureFm, Amusement Centre, Temooljee Pty Limited, SCCI, Seychelles Cycling Association, Senpa, SNYC, Seychelles Ports Authority and Seychelles Breweries Limited.

Our photo on front page show one of the giant Christmas trees at the junction of Olivier Maradan and Albert streets.