Africa’s New Carnival: Seychelles Carnaval International de Victoria
February 24, 2011 § 1 Comment
Seychellois singer Grace Barbé will perform (photo from Seychelles Tourism Board)
In 1972 the first ever “Festival of the Seychelles” was held, celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the first settlement of the islands in 1770. Now after an almost 40-year hiatus, Seychelles, the “Land of Perpetual Summer” opens its beautiful beaches to the Carnaval Internacional de Victoria (International Carnival in Victoria) to be held in the capital Victoria from March 4th to the 7th. In a celebration of its multi-ethnic roots, the Carnival has taken the theme “The Melting Pot of Cultures,” as it is populated mainly by people with African, Asian and European ancestry. The three-day celebration will feature participants from all over the globe, and has invited representatives from the world’s most famous carnivals. Already confirmed are folks from the UK’s Notting Hill Carnival and
That was then: 1972 Souvenir Cover
Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca performer Lima Calbio. US music legend Dionne Warwick, who is also the FAO’s (Food and Agricultural Organization) Goodwill Ambassador, is also slated to join in the carnival celebrations, and Afri-Kreol singer Grace Barbé, a Seychelles native, will return to the land of her birth to perform. A procession of floats from participating countries will take a circular route through the capital, and the individual Seychelles Islands will add their own to the mix of colorful costumes and vibrant music and dance. Seychelles is also composing a song by local artists that will showcase a mix of the Islands’ three national languages, English, Creole and French. The Seychelles Tourism Board has organized what looks to be an exciting and delicious three-
Lima Calbio, Trini Soca Star
day carnival that aims to become one of the top carnivals in the world. Travel to Seychelles is expensive, and for US residents, travel through either Europe or Africa is required. But there’s no visa required to travel to the Seychelles! All you need is a valid passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. For more information on the event, check out the Seychelles Tourism Board website here. If you need a contact person, the Manager Events and Convention at the Tourism Board is Mrs. Marymonde Matatiken; you can reach her by email: marymonde.m@seychelles.com Bless…
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It should have started from 430 pm or 5 pm onwards due to the heat. Per KOBE was missing. Brazilian Girls was a plus and good initiative. Other than that it was perfect. Congrat to the organising committee!