Seychelles Opens 40th Kreol Festival with Hands of Heritage Exhibition
VICTORIA, Seychelles — Seychelles has officially launched its 40th Festival Kreol, an annual celebration that shines a light on the country’s Creole culture through music, dance, cuisine and the arts. The festival opened on Thursday afternoon with an exhibition titled ‘Lanmen leritaz’ (Hands of Heritage) and the unveiling of a commemorative stamp at the National Gallery at Anse Véa.
During the launch, the commemorative stamp was presented to president-elect Dr Patrick Herminie, while a Festival Kreol souvenir was handed to vice-president-elect Sebastien Pillay, marking the official start of the celebrations. President-elect Herminie praised the role of the festival in promoting unity, identity and pride in Seychellois heritage, noting that the milestone 40th edition reflects how deeply Creole culture is embedded in everyday life across the islands.
The festival programme includes a range of events featuring traditional music and dance, Kreol cuisine, storytelling, poetry and visual arts, alongside activities for children and youth. ‘Lanmen leritaz’ brings together artists and craftspeople to showcase their skills and share the symbolism of hands as creators and transmitters of heritage from one generation to the next.
Organisers have urged citizens and visitors alike to take part in the various activities planned across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, saying the festival is a moment to celebrate the country’s diversity, history and the values that bind Seychellois together as one people.
