Even though there were last minute issues and I could not return to the Seychelles this year, we will return next year. Following is an overview of what I missed with my whole heart, however so happy to hear of it's success. It is with great pride and friendship, we present the current state of the 5th edition of the Carnival de Victoria in the Seychelles. Hope to see all you beautiful Seychellois soon...Sandy Dhuyvetter
Biggest event ever organized in Seychelles speaks for itself says Alain St.Ange, the island's Minister responsible for Tourism Culture
Biggest event ever organized in Seychelles speaks for itself says Alain St.Ange, the island's Minister responsible for Tourism Culture
For decades the
Seychelles has seen activities and events being organized but never before has
one event captured the imagination of the people of Seychelles and earned their
support. The launch of the Carnaval International de Victoria five years ago
has captivated Seychelles and public support for this event has grown annually
making it today the biggest event ever organized in Seychelles.
"The proof of the
pudding is in the eating. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture and its Tourism
Board has managed to stage an event that clearly appeals to the Seychellois
Community and they have continued to show their support for the three days of
the carnival events by being out and about in Victoria" said Alain
St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture.
At the 2015 edition of
the island's carnival Minister Alain St.Ange, accompanied by Sherin Naiken, the
CEO of the Tourism Board, Anne Lafortune, the PS for Tourism and Benjamine
Rose, the PS for Culture led the first part of the carnival procession
themselves. As the main organizers of the event that has captured the
Seychelles they were seen at the front of the parade waving to the large crowd
who had gathered alongside the carnival route.
"We all feel good
at the Ministry and at the Tourism Board because we have managed to stage an
event that the Seychellois want, that they appreciate and that they support
with their heart. The opening ceremony is popular, the carnival parade
continues to see the Seychellois gather in Victoria to such a degree that it is
now over flowing with people and the carnival closing ceremony is today
recognized as the only event that manages to fill to capacity 'Freedom Square'
in the centre of Victoria. The text messages, emails and letters we continue to
receive year after year shows clearly that what we are doing is appreciated. It
shows that our efforts are being well received by the people of
Seychelles" Minister St.Ange said.
The carnival in
Seychelles has grown to become listed as a world classed event on the calendar
of events of the Community of Nations. The Press Community continues to
be supportive of this carnival that brings to life the concept of the 'Melting
Pot of Cultures' and they have now baptized the event as the Carnival of
Carnivals.
Kitty J. Pope from the U.S.A. is often quoted because
of a document she published following the fourth edition of the Seychelles
carnival. Kitty J. Pope wrote:- "It was over four years ago that the
Honorable Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture
Alain St.Ange came up with the idea of organizing a huge carnival
where nations from around the world could parade their cultures. With many
countries already having their own unique
carnivals, St.Ange envisioned an international carnival that would
bring nations together in one setting to not only showcase their cultures, but
also to help promote an understanding of multiculturalism. He went on to launch
the Seychelles International Carnival where communities of nations get the
opportunity to network and socialize in a relaxed atmosphere. The first of its
kind, the carnival, which has grown every year, has come to be known as the
“Carnival of Carnivals.”
St.Ange says that the carnival is a unique world event
for bringing nations together where different cultures are respected as well as
celebrated. “Even in the General Assembly of the United Nations when some world
leaders stand to deliver their address, some delegates walk out, but here
respect for everyone is and will remain the key to ties of friendship and
togetherness,” he explains.
Supporting St.Ange's view of the carnival, Canadian
journalist Carol Perhudof said that she has come to believe that the
"Carnaval International de Victoria" could help to change the world
because it's a celebration of every culture together. “The Seychelles Carnival
is a brilliant tourism idea that helps bring us to a point where we can live in
harmony beyond colour of skin, to live in peace with each other,” said
Perehudoff, after her first visit for Seychelles Fourth International Carnival.
Through this "Carnival of
Carnivals," St.Ange has no doubt embarked on a global
multicultural movement where people can capture the spirit of internationalism
to gain a better understanding and appreciation of another country's culture.
Seychelles Carnival has captured the interest of leaders, tourism
officials and travelers alike from the world over. As word spreads near
and far among VIPs, media sources and curious tourists, the carnival has
continued to get more popular each year. So just what is it
about St.Ange that has allowed him to be able to successfully devise
such an ingenious way to propel people and nations to come together under one
accord?
For one thing, he has been dubbed a master marketer and
promoter by Creole International Magazine, published in the
UK, as he was able to turn around visitation numbers to substantially
increase tourism arrivals in Seychelles. Implementing and forging forth the
tourism portfolio set forth by President James
Michel, St.Ange's tourism approach and marketing methods have proven
to be extremely effective, garnering him invitations from a host of countries
and organizations that want to learn about the “Seychelles Tourism Brand” as a
guide for replication".
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