Mahe, Seychelles - The sixth annual Carnaval International de Victoria started in the capital on the island of Mahe on Saturday under the banner of “the melting pot of cultures”.
And two groups of performers from South Africa – a group of Basotho performers and a local klopse outfit called the Cape Town 7 Steps Minstrels – were very much part of the procession and highly popular.
More than 40 floats representing more than 20 nations paraded through the streets of Victoria, the country’s capital, as Seychellois lined the route eager for a picture with their favourite team.
Pat Vailla, 40, said she had not missed a carnival parade since its inception in 2011.
“We come and bring the kids, the grandkids and we make a day of it. It’s hot, but we come.”
The Indonesian team sported elaborate costumes with high plumage and a vast array of props and didn’t disappoint, stopping along the route through Victoria’s CBD to snap pics with the locals.
As always, the Brazilian team stole the show. With its mini Rio Carnival, complete with a band and beautiful dancers, the team brought the parade to a standstill as locals rushed into the street from the pavements to grab pictures with the performers.
And the performers did not disappoint, posing willingly and dancing vivaciously for the massive number of onlookers.
David Germaine, director for tourism for Africa and the Americas, said: “They’ve become such a staple of Carnaval. If they are not here, we would be asked where they are. They are like the South African team, the minstrels. There is no Carnaval without them.”
Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom was at the Carnaval. He has said South Africa and Africa as a whole should support the event. “We need to stand together as Africa.”
The parade drew to a close as the sun set over Mahe and locals made their way to Liberty Square to enjoy a range of performances that lasted close to midnight.
Local businessman Pernam Singh said: “Carnaval is when everyone benefits. Shop owners, street vendors, we all get a slice of the pie. Even the taxi drivers are happy.”
The cost of the carnival runs into millions, but the minister for tourism and culture for the Seychelles, Alain St Ange, said it was worth it.
“Yes, there will be those questions. And you as the media are right to ask them. We have nothing to hide, but if you say we can spend this money on a hospital, fine. We will have healthy people, but people will die of hunger. Tourism is the backbone of this economy.”
Tourism accounts for more than 60 percent of the islands’ GDP.
Chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Sherin Naiken, said: “There has been a shift since our minister took over, to focus on tourism. In government, everything we do is linked to tourism. That is why we welcome the world to the Seychelles for this Carnaval de Victoria.”
Sunday Argus
l Witten is attending the Carnaval International de Victoria as a guest of the Seychelles Tourism Board, which sponsored his trip.