Seychelles Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015
(Seychelles, SC, Africa)
Whilst there may not quite be the selection of events in the Seychelles as there are at other prominent African island destinations, such as
Mauritius, there are some very well-supported seasonal festivals and things to do here. These range from religious celebrations to cultural festivals.
A number of sporting events are also held in the Seychelles each year, including a marathon, boating competitions and deep-sea fishing contests. National holidays play an important part in the islands' calendar, such as Labour Day in May, Corpus Christi and National Day each June, Assumption Day in August and All Saints' Day every November, followed by the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in early December.
Seychelles Calendar of Festivals and Events
January
- New Year's Day - traditionally celebrated across the islands with lots of family parties and midnight fireworks on New Year's Eve
February
- Seychelles Marathon - taking place on Mahé. This event also features races over shorter distances and always draws crowds of onlookers, cheering the runners along the route
March
- Carnival Festival - an international event showcasing the cultural diversity of the Seychelles. This Carnival is held in Victoria
- Semaine de la Francophonie - mid-March, a week of French culture arrives in Mahé, bringing with it themed exhibitions of art, singing recitals and popular film screenings
- Easter - March / April, a Christian time, with religious services, processions and festivities based around the main churches, particularly on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
April
- Arts Festival - including a wide range of artistic media, from painting and drawing to music and dance. Exhibitions, performances and workshops make up the main activities, which take place at various locations in central Victoria
May
- Labour Day / May Day - May 1st, a public holiday throughout the archipelago
- International Festival of Classical Music - held in late May, this music fest draws in many acclaimed musicians from all over the world
- Seychelles Regatta - a sailing competition staged over the course of seven days, starting and finishing in the Indian Ocean, off Eden Island
- Fete Afrique (FetAfrik) - late May, the whole country remembers its strong African roots. Visitors can expect to find a host of traditional music and dancing, lasting an entire weekend. This is a long-established cultural event, also featuring art and fashion
June
- Liberation Day - held on June 5th, this is an annual celebration in remembrance of the coup that took place in 1977
- Corpus Christi - another religious time and public holiday, usually taking place around the middle of June each year
- National Day - June 18th, a public holiday for everyone
- Independence Day - held on June 29th to commemorate the independence of the Seychelles
July
- Round Table Beau Vallon Regatta - yacht races and family orientated beach competitions are what this regatta is all about
August
- La Digue Festival - held in celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Other popular events are also held on the islands of Mahé and Praslin
- Assumption Day - August 15th, a religious holiday based around Christian festivities
September
- Choral Festival - hosted by the National Conservatoire for Performing Arts, showcasing the singing talents of local choirs
October
- SUBIOS Underwater Festival - early October, promoting underwater conservation. Lasting a total of three days, this event takes place at Beau Vallon and draws an international audience
- Festival Kreol - late October / early November, held in Victoria. Usually staged during the last week of the month, this six-day carnival event celebrates Creole culture, with much in the way of dance, arts, crafts and traditional cuisine
November
- All Saints' Day - November 1st, a Christian holiday
- Oceanbeat - held on Mahé Island, featuring music by new and established artists from all over the world
December
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception - December 8th, another public holiday and Christian day, marking the start of the Yuletide festivities
- Christmas Festivities - December 25th, families get together to celebrate with parties, gifts and a traditional Christmas dinner