Independence Day and National Day ceremonies |28 June 2017
Seychelles turns 41 tomorrow
Seychelles will turn 41 years old tomorrow, June 29.
It was on June 29, 1976 that Seychelles gained Nationhood and after some years now, the country has become a melting pot of cultures, races and traditions.
June 29 is also Seychelles’ National Day and Seychelles NATION met some individuals who were willing to share how they celebrate and remember this day.
Name: Carine, Natasha, Jacqueline Françoise from Anse à la Mouche, 17 years old
Occupation: Student at Seychelles Tourism Academy.
What does Independence Day mean to you?
I think Independence Day is a day of freedom. The day our country became ours. A day of happiness, a day of pride and good loving.
What do you do on that day?
I usually use this day to reflect on how far the Seychellois nation has come and I also go to the parade with my family and friends.
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Name: Junia Joubert, Baie Ste Anne, Praslin, 35 years old
Occupation: Senior Information Officer at STB Tourist Office, Praslin
What does Independence Day mean to you?
For me, Independence Day marks the day when the country gained independence from Great Britain in 1976. As the islands were initially under the French rule and then the British rule since 1756, for me it’s all about regaining our independence after years of being colonised. The celebration mostly involves communities and citizens displaying their national pride in a spirit of patriotism. They decorate with plenty of national flags and lights, hold expositions based on successful accomplishments achieved by the local people, sing patriotic tunes and dance. Public places across the islands will also be filled with families and colourful fireworks will light up the night skies.
What do you do on that day?
We celebrate it in true Seychellois comfort and style!
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Name: Tessy Madeleine
Occupation: Campaign Manager, Office of HASO
What is Independence Day for you?
A National Day that commemorates Seychelles’ transition from a British colony to an independent republic.
What does it represents for you?
A day to celebrate the accomplishments of the people of Seychelles, to live freely and peacefully.
What you do on that day?
I attend the parade at the stadium and join the people of Seychelles to celebrate.
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Name: Tysha Constance
Occupation: Student, Seychelles Business Studies Academy, 18 years
What is Independence Day for you?
For me it is when Seychelles became independent.
What do you do on that day?
I usually stay home and in the afternoon I attend the national parade with friends.
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Name: Barbara Medor
Occupation: Head teacher Cascade school
What is Independence Day for you?
For me it is the day Seychelles gained its independence from Great Britain. It is observed annually and we have a public holiday to celebrate that day. It represents freedom.
What do you do on that day?
I consider myself as en zanfan lendepandans as I was born on July 8 1976. It is a day of relaxation and reflection! Normally on that day we organise family picnics or celebrate the night out. Some people prefer attending the parade as children enjoy the fireworks.
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Name: Lely Antat
Occupation: Early childhood coordinator at Baie Ste Anne, Praslin
What is Independence Day for you?
It means Seychelles being free from the British colony and it represents a state that takes its own decisions which are in the benefit of its citizens.
What do you do on that day?
It is a day to reflect on what I really want for our beautiful country, be it in terms of economic, social and spiritual wellbeing.
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Name: Farida Moncherry
Occupation: Student at the School of Business Studies
What is Independence Day for you?
It is the day when Seychelles was liberated from Britain and became independent and ruled by its own president with its own flag, its own identity and constitution. It represents freedom and the birthday of my little islands.
What do you do on that day?
I usually stay at home with my family and have a nice lunch together. I watch the parade and wait until they release the fireworks so that I can admire the beautiful lights pop in the night sky.
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Name: Ella Rene
Occupation: Business owner and company director
What is Independence Day for you?
For me it represents the day we got our identity as a Nation. The event that meant we could proudly say we are Seychellois and we can survive on our own.
What do you do on that day?
I do not do anything. I celebrate my country every day in everything I do to make our corner of the world a better place.