In a place where different races and cultures have mixed for generations, many traditions have formed to become popular aspects of the Seychelles’ calendar.
Cultural Bazars, a unique shopping experience filled with local food and differing items, happen every month. This is a great way to sample the island’s style of living whilst being serenaded by Creole music. Aside from these, there’s always something happening in the Seychelles for you to get involved with.
January - New Year’s Eve
This is celebrated across the island, with locals partaking in various family orientated parties, alongside midnight fireworks displays.
February – Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon
What began as a modest event back in 2008 has now grown to include hundreds of participants, including an estimated 500 from overseas. Covering Northern and Eastern areas of the Mahe Island and the capital, the event accommodates everyone’s fitness, allowing you to take part in a 5km course or the marathon; which takes you 42.195km around the island. The idea is to get people to compete but also appreciate the beauty of the island’s surroundings.
March - Holy Week
With a wholly religious landscape, Easter Celebrations are some of the most important in the Seychelles. Many will attend services at church, and a number of other services are held throughout the island to commemorate Jesus’ sacrifices. Aside from this you’ll also witness a number of lively street parades and parties, where feasts offering up delicious local cuisine will be on offer.
April - Carnaval International de Victoria
Held over a three day period, this carnival celebrates the fact that the Seychelles has always been a melting pot for all corners of the globe. With representatives of various world carnivals descending on the Seychelles, there are many dedicated activities and fun to be had by all. This well-known crowd pleaser is also widely covered by the world media.
May - FetAfrik
Experience the vibrant and colourful African and Kreol cultures at this multi-artistic festival, which celebrates Africa Day on the 25th every year. Running for over decade, the festival features various forms of artistic expression from music to dance, and is the perfect way to learn about important island culture.
June - Independence Day
This national holiday is celebrated by the whole island, with everyone converging to show their national pride. The day usually sees fun filled family activities in the parks throughout the daytime, before turning into an all-out extravaganza at night, when the sky becomes illuminated by fireworks.
August - La Digue Festival/Assumption Day
Starting around August the 10th, those living in the Seychelles begin preparing for the annual Assumption Day. With beach parties and sporting events taking place across the islands, alongside a number of other fun filled activities, you can really immerse yourself in the island’s culture. The 15th is when Assumption Day takes place, remembering the assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven.
September - World Tourism Day
This event is held every year to help create awareness of the Seychelles’ tourism industry. With various sporting and cultural activities occurring on the day and in the lead up, you can experience everything this paradise has to offer in one fell swoop.
October – Creole Festival
Taking place at the end of October, sometimes running into November, this is a six day cultural extravaganza. Through the art of dance, music, craft, cuisine, arts and local customs, the whole island comes together to celebrate Creole culture. Highlights include various fashion shows and the Dimans Kreol Bor Lanmer event, held on Sunday at the beach.
November – All Saints Day
With religion being extremely important in the Seychelles, the month of November welcomes more religious tradition. On the first day of every November this religious festival is held to remember the dead. Show your respects as candles are lit and placed on graves, and church services are held throughout the island.
December - SUBIOS Festival
A film and photography festival with a twist; it’s held at sea. The festival centres on celebrating the rich and diverse marine life that surrounds the Seychelles. The weeklong festival is perfect for experiencing the vast underwater nature in a unique way.