Seychelles’ biggest party erupted on Saturday afternoon as the fourth Carnaval International de Victoria got underway with a breathtaking parade of colourful floats, scintillating dancers and mesmerising performers.

With the catchy tune of the winning song for the carnival song competition won by Travis Julienne filling the air, throngs of spectators had lined the carnival route to appreciate the bedazzling spectacle, despite the weather earlier threatening to spoil the fun.

Among guests at the event were President James Michel and his daughter Laeticia, ministers and other foreign dignitaries. 

This year’s carnival attracted over twenty international delegations, including newcomers Mozambique as well as the return of Düsseldorf (Germany) who paraded alongside countries such as Brazil, South Africa, Madagascar, Mayotte, Britain, Rodrigues, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Zimbabwe and Indonesia. 

Continually evolving, the list of co-sponsors of the Carnaval International de Victoria has grown, with KwaZulu Natal of South Africa teaming up with Seychelles, Madagascar, Reunion and Mayotte. 

“I have come to the carnival all four times; I am so happy to see the parade and it pleases me to see all the colourful dresses,” said a lady who was very exciting to see the Brazilian float pass by.

The exotic dancers, vibrant music and the smell of food livened up Victoria as the crowds who had descended on the capital cheered on when the floats wound their way through the streets of Victoria, showcasing an array of themes with music blaring from their respective sound systems.

After the parade the crowd were entertained by different bands playing in different corners of Victoria.

Meanwhile next year’s Carnaval International de Victoria has been set for April 24, 25 and 26.

The accompanying photographs on this and the opposite page taken by our photographers Joena Bonnelame and Louis Toussaint show highlights of the carnival parade on Saturday.


Results of carnival floats

International category

1st China

2nd Notting Hill

3rd Brazil

Local category

1st Raffles

2nd JJ Spirit Foundation

3rd Indian Ocean Tuna Ltd

School category

1st Seychelles Tourism Academy

2nd Seychelles Institute of Teacher Education

3rd Mont Fleuri secondary

Forrás: www.nation.sc