“United Nations Gathering of Culture” in Seychelles remains an example for the world

The Seychelles’ capital, Victoria, was dressed in all colors of the world on Saturday, as thousands lined the streets of Victoria from Bois de Rose Avenue to Palm Street, all the way to Manglier Str

The Seychelles’ capital, Victoria, was dressed in all colors of the world on Saturday, as thousands lined the streets of Victoria from Bois de Rose Avenue to Palm Street, all the way to Manglier Street, cheering as the colorful floats of this sixth Carnaval International de Victoria snaked through downtown.

Led by the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange; Principal Secretaries of the two departments Benjamine Rose and Anne Lafortune; and the Seychelles Tourism Board team headed by the Chief Executive Sherin Naiken, the parade started at 3 pm on Bois de Rose Avenue, and went down 5th Avenue.


The floats that followed performed in front of the Liberty Monument for the many VIPs, the panel of judges, and members of the people who had gathered all along the avenue.

A total of 37 floats paraded through town while performing to the accompaniment of music, displaying a cocktail of cultures, music, and dances from across the globe.

Local and international floats parading together in one carnival truly showcased the melting pot of cultures and unity themes of the Carnaval International de Victoria. “Showcasing one’s culture is putting the people of our respective countries in the forefront. Today, the world needs to understand each other, as to know each other, if we are to see a more understanding world. Seychelles has become the melting pot for the world through culture,” said Minister Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles as he answered questions from the large number of gathered international press.

Among those who came down to enjoy the carnival parade were the former President of the Republic Sir James Mancham, Vice President Danny Faure, Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, and other ministers and high government officials, as well as international dignitaries hailing from co-host countries. South Africa’s Tourism Minister, Derek Hanekom; Madagascar Tourism Minister Roland Ratsiraka; and the Conseillere Regionale of Reunion Island, Faouzia Vitry, were among the many other tourism leaders from the Community of Nations.

Once again this year, the giant tortoise, Per Kobe, was in the parade, which was the float of the Seychelles Car Hire Association.

Leaving the VIP area, the floats went down the avenue with their next stop being in front of Peace Park where they also performed. Their last stop to perform was on Palm Street in front of the Sacos Tower.

Italy must have been the float which caught the children’s attention the most, as apart from showcasing the Alice in Wonderland theme, there were some famous characters such as Olaf, the snowman from the 2013 animated film Frozen; Minnie Mouse; Mickey Mouse; and several others.

As is customary, the Notting Hill Roadshow Carnival, being the biggest float, was the last to perform in this year’s Carnaval International de Victoria.

The best floats will be rewarded tomorrow at the closing ceremony which will be held at Freedom Square, just after the Kiddies Carnival.

Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) . For more information on Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture Alain St.Ange, click here.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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