Africans descend on Seychelles for the Carnival International de Victoria

The 2011 Seychelles “Carnival International de Victoria,” due to be held in Seychelles between March 4-6, 2011, is acting as a magnet for African countries who recognize the many opportunities that the Carnival offers and who are eager to jump on the bandwagon and get involved.

Seychelles’ historical status as the “melting pot of cultures” has, over its two centuries of settlement, produced a harmonious, multi-ethnic society that has created of its very variety and diversity a strength which is now the bedrock of a vibrant, yet tranquil, Seychellois Creole way of life.

It is this very sense of harmony, stability, and unity that is captured in the spirit of the 2011 Seychelles “Carnival International de Victoria,” which sets the stage for international participation over three days of festivities that will feature international food stalls, the main carnival procession, as well as live music by various international bands and an all-night party as part of a busy schedule of festivities.

Among those African countries and organizations that have already declared their intention to participate and to showcase their strength and what they stand for are RETOSA itself, the tourism body from Africa that will join South Africa, Zimbabwe, and many others who have already confirmed their travel to Seychelles.

It has been confirmed by Alain St.Ange, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board that the world press will be well represented to cover this African-based world event. “Last year South Africa successfully hosted the Football World Cup. This year Seychelles will ensure that Africa takes its place in the world of carnivals,” Alain St.Ange said.

The Seychelles islands enjoy a special affinity with Africa, not only because of their geographical proximity to the continent, but also because many Seychellois can trace their roots back to the motherland. Africa is also a natural partner for Seychelles, particularly in tourism, and already several joint campaigns have been launched in tandem with such countries as Kenya and Tanzania. These promote twin-hub vacations, which include taking in the sights and sounds of those countries followed by an experience of Seychelles, as encapsulated in the “From the Big Five…to the Best Five” campaign.

The 2011 Seychelles “Carnaval International de Victoria” will present another ideal platform for Seychelles and its African neighbors to interact, become familiar with each other’s cultures, and discover new ways to synergize. It looks set to become a spectacular stage for a heady blend of African and other cultures, networking opportunities, and unforgettable entertainment.

“Africa must know Africa, if Africa is to stand out and be counted. Africa must be seen as being together in such international events as the Carnaval International de Victoria being organized in Seychelles this coming March as we all did when South Africa hosted the Fifa World Cup,” Alain St.Ange said.

The world is set to meet in Seychelles in March for the carnival and many visitors are already looking at pre and post breaks and African Safari to take in after their Seychelles stay.