VICTORIA, Seychelles — Seychelles will mark the 50th anniversary of its independence on 29 June with a four-day programme of parades, concerts and exhibitions, anchored by an expected visit from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a headline performance by the Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, the National Day secretariat announced on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference, secretariat vice-chairperson Penny Belmont laid out the schedule for the June 26–29 celebrations, which the government is billing as the country’s biggest civic event in a generation. Preparations are complete, she said, with security, transport and ticketing arrangements finalised across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
A first laser and beam show will run on the evenings of 26 and 27 June in front of Stad Linite, combining laser projections, moving beam lights, synchronised music and storytelling visuals in a 15-minute production. The show traces Seychelles from its colonial past through independence and into a forward-looking future, and includes a dedicated tribute to India’s contribution to Seychelles’ development, reflecting 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi was formally invited as Guest of Honour during President Patrick Herminie’s state visit to New Delhi in February 2026. A Seychelles representative confirmed this week that the Indian leader is expected in Victoria on 29 June, subject to factors beyond his control. The visit will mark a rare foreign-head-of-state appearance at a Seychelles national day parade.
To mark the anniversary, India announced a USD 175 million economic package for Seychelles focused on social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, health, defence and maritime security. Officials in both capitals have framed 2026 as a shared golden jubilee, with independence for Seychelles and diplomatic recognition between the two countries arriving in the same year.
The main ceremony and military parade on 28 June will feature 31 platoons and roughly 737 participants, with a cultural programme involving around 1,300 people, including drone and holographic displays. The June 29 show at Stad Popiler will be headlined by Ayra Starr, the Nigerian artist whose 2022 single Rush and album The Year I Turned 21 brought her to global attention. Entry to that show will be free for the public, with VIP guests paying for premium access.
The Jubilee Expo, on the grounds around Stad Linite from 26 to 29 June, will host more than 330 exhibitors, including solar energy providers, modular and container housing developers such as MLH, and local agriculture and food producers. A first-of-its-kind child-minding service will be available, allowing parents to visit the expo comfortably. Daily opening hours are 10am to 2am, with special hours on 29 June following the parade.
SPTC chief executive Geffy Zialor outlined the transport plan. Free bus services will run on Mahé and Praslin throughout the four days, with shuttle services to and from the Jubilee Expo and surrounding parking areas every 15, 30 or 45 minutes, depending on demand. District services will operate from 6pm on 28 June to ferry people to the stadium, and normal bus schedules will continue uninterrupted.
Superintendent Jeffrey Antoine detailed the security plan, which will see around 60 police officers deployed in the event region, with regular patrols across districts to safeguard homes while residents attend the celebrations. Checkpoints will operate at Mont Fleuri roundabout, Bois de Rose, Béolière junction, Plaisance roundabout and the Roche Caïman entrance, with restricted access to the Sports Complex area from the morning of 26 June and public vehicle restrictions from 3pm on event days.
Regional celebrations on Praslin (26–27 June) include a Miss and Princess Independence pageant at Baie Ste Anne on the Friday evening, an Agriculture and Horticulture Show at Zil Eve on the Saturday morning, and a musical show by Island Vibration running until 2am. La Digue’s programme on 28 June features cultural activities at L’Union Estate, a 3pm serenade parade from La Passe, and an Independence Ball at the L’Union tennis court from 10pm to 6am. Admission to the Miss and Princess Independence pageant costs R75 for children aged 3 to 12 and R150 for adults.
📷 Photo: Office of the Prime Minister of India via Wikimedia Commons, GODL-India
Source: SN
