Seychellois rally for biggest carnival |08 May 2015

For decades Seychelles has seen activities and events being organised but never before has one event captured the imagination of Seychellois and earned their support like the Carnaval International de Victoria.

The launch of the Carnaval International de Victoria five years ago has captivated Seychelles and public support for this event has grown annually making it today the biggest event organised in Seychelles.

"The proof of the pudding is in the eating. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture and its tourism board has managed to stage an event that clearly appeals to the Seychellois community and they have continued to show their support for the three days of the carnival events by being out and about in Victoria," said Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St Ange.

At this year’s carnival on Saturday April 25, Minister Alain St Ange, accompanied by tourism principal secretary Anne Lafortune, culture principal secretary Benjamine Rose and Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) chief executive Sherin Naiken, led the first part of the parade of floats.

As the main organisers of the event that has captured the Seychelles they were seen at the front of the parade waving to the large crowd who had gathered alongside the carnival route.

"We all feel good at the ministry and at the tourism board because we have managed to stage an event that the Seychellois want, that they appreciate and support with their heart. The opening ceremony is popular, the carnival parade continues to see Seychellois gather in Victoria to such a degree that it is now overflowing with people and the carnival closing ceremony is today recognised as the only event that manages to fill to capacity the Freedom Square in the centre of Victoria. The text messages, emails and letters we continue to receive year after year show clearly that what we are doing is appreciated. It shows that our efforts are being well received by the people of Seychelles," Minister St Ange said.  

The carnival in Seychelles has grown to become listed as a world class event on the calendar of events of the community of nations. The press community continues to be supportive of this carnival that brings to life the concept of the 'melting pot of cultures' and they have now baptised the event as the carnival of carnivals.

After she attended the fourth carnival last year and published a document about it, American journalist wrote:  "It was over four years ago that the Honorable Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange came up with the idea of organising a huge carnival where nations from around the world could parade their cultures. With many countries already having their own unique carnivals, St Ange envisioned an international carnival that would bring nations together in one setting to not only showcase their cultures, but also to help promote an understanding of multiculturalism. He went on to launch the Seychelles International Carnival where communities of nations get the opportunity to network and socialise in a relaxed atmosphere. The first of its kind, the carnival, which has grown every year, has come to be known as the ‘Carnival of Carnivals’.”   

Minister St Ange said the carnival is a unique world event for bringing nations together where different cultures are respected as well as celebrated.
“Even in the general assembly of the United Nations when some world leaders stand to deliver their address, some delegates walk out, but here respect for everyone is and will remain the key to ties of friendship and togetherness,” he explained.

Supporting Minister St Ange's view of the carnival, Canadian journalist Carol Perhudof said she has come to believe that the Carnaval International de Victoria could help change the world because it's a celebration of every culture together.

“The Seychelles carnival is a brilliant tourism idea that helps bring us to a point where we can live in harmony beyond colour of skin, to live in peace with each other,” said Ms Perehudoff after her first visit to Seychelles for the fourth carnival.

 “Through this ‘Carnival of Carnivals’, Minister St Ange has no doubt embarked on a global multicultural movement where people can capture the spirit of internationalism to gain a better understanding and appreciation of another country's culture. The Seychelles carnival has captured the interest of leaders, tourism officials and travelers alike from the world over. As word spreads near and far among VIPs, media sources and curious tourists, the carnival has continued to get more popular each year,” she added.

So just what is it about Minister St Ange that has allowed him to be able to successfully devise such an ingenious way to propel people and nations to come together under one accord?

“For one thing, he has been dubbed a master marketer and promoter by Creole International Magazine, published in the United Kingdom, as he was able to turn around visitation numbers to substantially increase tourism arrivals in Seychelles. Implementing and forging forth the tourism portfolio set forth by President James Michel, Minister St Ange's tourism approach and marketing methods have proven to be extremely effective, garnering him invitations from a host of countries and organisations that want to learn about the Seychelles Tourism Brand as a guide for replication,” concluded Ms Perehudoff.

Seychelles Institute of Teacher Education (SITE) won the first prize of R20,000 for best school float, Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) grabbed R35,000 for best local float, La Digue took the prize for the best cultural float and Notting Hill of the United Kingdom won the best international float.

The other prize winners were Seychelles Tourism Academy (second prize of R15,000) and University of Seychelles (third prize of R10,000) in the school category; United Concrete Products (UCPS) (second prize of R25,000) and JJ Spirit (third prize of R15,000) in best local float category; Cambodia (second prize) and Zambia (third prize) in the best cultural float category; Brazil (second prize) and Mauritius  (third prize) in the best international float category.

The accompanying photos were taken by our photographer Patrick Joubert during the parade of floats.