Festival Kreol – a time for the Seychelles Creole culture to shine

Festival Kreol is an event which puts the Seychelles’ Creole culture and identity at the forefront in the world. These were the words of Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St.Ange as he officially launched Festival Kreol 2014 on Friday night.

Among those gracing the event with their presence were President of the Republic of Seychelles James Michel, former President James Mancham, Vice President Danny Faure, ministers, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly David Pierre, high government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and ministers of the East African community.

A large crowd of proud Seychellois, young and old alike, joined by tourists, including members of the international press were all in the Stad Popiler in Victoria – the capital of the Creole world – to enjoy the official launch of the 29th edition of the Festival Kreol.

Minister St.Ange said Festival Kreol is not only for Seychelles but for all the Creole-speaking countries.

“The Seychelles is blessed with, as it is, a beautiful, strong, and intelligent nation. Our government has always believed in putting importance and in bringing awareness on our island’s Creole identity,” he said.

Minister St.Ange added that Seychelles and the other Creole-speaking countries need to see their Creole culture celebrated in all its aspects all year round.

The Minister added that this Creole event celebrated during the last week of October over the last 29 years, brings together the Creole community of nations.

In 2015, Festival Kreol in Seychelles will celebrate its 30th anniversary, and Seychelles is promising to give the world a memorable festival to celebrate this milestone, Minister St.Ange said.

On her part, Principal Secretary for Culture Benjamine Rose said Festival Kreol is an event which promotes peace and unity, and one that brings the people of Seychelles together.

“It is also a time to relive our past and our traditions,” Miss Rose added.

Miss Rose urged the younger generations to learn more about the Creole culture so that they can better appreciate it.

French ambassador to Seychelles Genevieve Iancu, amazed everybody present by expressing herself in the Creole language of four parts of the world – Seychelles, Mauritius, Reunion, and the Antilles.

She said Festival Kreol is an important and a must-attend event on the Seychelles calendar of events. Mrs. Iancu called on all Creole-speaking countries to unite and to keep strengthening the bond between their people.

Also speaking, the Vice President of the Regional Council of Reunion, Marie-Andree La Croix-Faveur, said Festival Kreol contributes greatly in bringing together all Creole-speaking nations, and she said “it makes our Creole identity shine.”

Minakshi Thannoo from Mauritius was also a speaker that night, thanking Seychelles for uniting the people of the Creole world.

The Seychelles National Troupe and top leading singers and musicians of Seychelles gave the best of our islands’ music. Performances from zouk band, Kassav, and other international bands, musicians, and poets had their fair share of making it a night to remember.

Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .