The Seychelles carnival wows visitors
Tue, 20 May 2014
(Seychelles News Agency) - The 2014 Seychelles Carnaval International de Victoria defied roaring thunder and the flash of lighting that brought a heavy downpour of tropical rain, which had everybody groaning in frustration onApril 26.
The gloomy skies cleared up giving way to a hot tropical sunshine just around the time scheduled for the Seychelles’ much awaited international gathering.
Visitors mingled with Seychellois and packed the sides of the streets of the capital to watch some 50 floats among which 26 from various countries worldwide (from South Korea, China, South Africa, KwaZulu, Natal to Brazil and Bulgariaand many more) as they paraded in their extravagant and colourful costumes. Bulgaria was represented by Maxim Behar –Honorary Consul of Seychelles in Bulgaria.He was shining in his folklore costume prepared especially for the Carnaval.
The visitors were enjoying themselves even more than the locals as they grasped every opportunity to have their photo taken during the event. Those whose countries were represented in the parade cheered louder as their delegations went past, while others became emotional at what the event represented.
The Chinese delegation has been voted best international float at the fourth Seychelles Carnaval international de Victoria 2014, which was announced at the end of theCarnaval on 27 April at Freedom Square in the capital Victoria.
The prize presentation ceremony just after sundown led to the official closing of the three day gathering that has brought together the Seychellois nation, visitors, 26 international delegations and 151 international journalists.
In attendance at Stad Popiler, a stadium in the centre of Victoria was Seychelles’ President James Michel, local and visiting ministers from neighbouring countries and other key officialsfrom the islands and abroad.The Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange described this year's carnival as a great success congratulating the efforts of their dedicated partners as well as the participation of the Seychellois people.
