The Seychelles has launched celebrations for the 40th edition of the Kreol Festival, one of the world’s most prominent events dedicated to Creole culture and identity. First held in 1985, the archipelago became the first country globally to institutionalize a festival honoring Creole heritage a tradition now emulated across Creole-speaking nations from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean. This year’s anniversary edition spans three weeks of music, dance, art, and gastronomy across Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. The festival pays tribute to the island nation’s multicultural roots, shaped by influences from Africa, Europe, and Asia. David André, Secretary-General of the National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts, said the festival embodies the essence of Seychellois identity.
“Our uniqueness lies in our diversity. We come from Europe, Africa, and Asia; and yet we share a common identity that unites us as one people.” Events include street parades, culinary fairs, traditional performances, and art exhibitions, blending ancestral traditions with contemporary creativity. The “Lafoli Lanmod” fashion show featured designer Mervin Cédras, whose vibrant collection drew inspiration from Creole elegance and modern flair “My culture is African, Creole but also European. It’s all part of who we are.” At the National Gallery, the “Hands of Heritage” exhibition showcases artists from across the Creole world. Visual artist Juliette Zélémé presented Jouer!, a living installation honoring the classic domino game a cherished pastime across Creole communities “Dominoes connect generations and carry cultural memory. It’s art that lives through play.”
Music, the heartbeat of the festival, took center stage during the gala “Celebrating 40 Years of Our Culture.” Young musician Isham Rath, recipient of the Young Promising Artist Award, captivated audiences with performances reflecting Seychelles’ vibrant soundscape “Growing up in this mix of rhythm, color, and language it’s all part of my inspiration.” The 40th Kreol Festival runs until November 2, reaffirming Seychelles’ role as a cultural beacon in the Creole-speaking world. The next edition is scheduled for October 2026, as the country continues its mission to preserve, celebrate, and share Creole heritage with future generations.
