The Seychelles International Carnival of Victoria takes place over the weekend of 24 April to 26 April and Mauritius will be represented by a 22-member delegation, which includes well known sega performer Toto Lebrasse.

The delegation, who were welcomed earlier in the week by the Seychelles’ Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St. Ange, will also be joined by guest of honour Xavier Luc Duval, Mauritius’ Deputy Prime Minister, before the festivities begin today.

A global affair

With various events on the island of Mahé, the Seychelles carnival takes place over a three-day period and is the focus of international attention. The procession of floats on 25 April looks set to be the most colourful ever, with cultural delegations of all sizes arriving from across the globe.

One of the most hotly anticipated are carnival world leaders Brazil, who’ll be visiting for the third time and taking the lead in the parade. Represented by the Momo King samba group, the Brazilian delegation has announced the theme ‘Sao Paulo, experience it all!’ for its float, and intends to showcase the culture of that famous city through an explosion of music, colour and joy.

Also taking part will be the folkloric La Tuna band from Spain, who will be entertaining the crowds with a variety of different music forms, from boleros and flamencos to pasos dobles and tangos.

Cambodia and South Korea are among the countries representing Asia, with Italy and Sweden another two of the European contingent. The Seychelles will also be honoured with royal visits from the King of Ashanti Ghana, His Royal Majesty King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and Principal Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini of Swaziland, who heads up her tiny kingdom’s delegation on their first Seychelles carnival experience.

Mauritian flair

Mauritius captured the attention of the crowds in 2013 with a marine-life inspired participation, which helped them to clinch the Tom Bowers silver-sculpted Carnival of Victoria trophy.

After an absence last year, the island’s representatives can look forward once again to sharing the best of Mauritian music and dance with the Seychellois crowds and delegates from around the world.

For more information about the carnival, visit the official Seychelles tourism site.

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Photos: Dancer, Band