40 Years of Kreol Festival: a vibrant October in Seychelles
The Festival Kreol 2025 ends today and what an edition it was! Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Seychelles embraced a full month of music, Creole cuisine, traditional dances, cultural exhibitions and unforgettable encounters.
Music, flavours and tradition for 31 days
From Mahé to La Digue, the islands hosted:
- Live music concerts (Sega, Moutya, reggae)
- Creole food festivals
- Traditional parades and dances
- Local craft markets and art exhibitions
- School projects and cultural workshops
📍 Main venues: Victoria, Anse Boileau, Bel Ombre, Au Cap, Baie Lazare and the Beau Vallon beach promenade.
A feast for the senses: food, art, music… and dancing!
- The Kreol Festival offers a full sensory immersion:
- tasting traditional Creole dishes passed down through generations,
- dancing barefoot to the rhythm of Moutya around beach bonfires,
- admiring local artists and artisans proudly showcasing Seychellois creativity,
- and of course, joining the beloved Balbobes – joyful Creole-style dancing nights featuring live music, traditional outfits, and a vibrant community spirit that welcomes locals and visitors alike.
The Beau Vallon Regatta: tradition meets fun
The Beau Vallon Regatta was again one of the highlights, attracting thousands. With canoe races, food stalls, and live performances, it brought the community together in true island spirit.
The Bal Bobes with Jean Marc Volcy and Boya
The Bal Bobes on October 31 is an unforgettable experience, featuring Jean Marc Volcy and his group Boya.
🕘 The party will start at 9 PM and lasted until 6 AM – and yes, people danced the entire night!
Halfway through the event, everyone was served hot soup – a Seychellois tradition that fuels dancers for the second half of the night.
Honestly, I still wonder: how do they do it?
Thanks to Benjamin, the eye behind the lens
All the photos featured in this article were taken by Benjamin Tambara, an incredible local photographer who captured the festival’s energy with care and creativity. Merci!
My personal thoughts
As a travel designer specialised in Seychelles, I can say that this is the most meaningful time of the year to explore Creole culture.
But, unfortunately, the Kreol Festival is not well communicated abroad.
Last month, I was invited by SBC (Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation) to speak about this on live TV – and I couldn’t agree more: the Kreol Festival deserves better international visibility.
It is not just a celebration. It is a bridge between people, cultures and generations.
Plan your trip for October 2026
If you’re planning a trip to Seychelles, think ahead: October is the perfect month to visit and be part of something special.
Book early, join the next edition of the Kreol Festival and dive into the heart of Creole identity.
…
| ENGLISH | CREOLO |
| DANCE | DANSE |
| CREOLE PARTY | FET KREOL |
| CULTURE | KILTIR |
| MUSIC | LANMIZIK |
🔗You might be interested in
- Seychelles 2025: Who is Amanda Bernstein, the new Minister of Tourism
- Seychelles 2025: chi è Amanda Bernstein, il nuovo Ministro del Turismo
- Kreol Festival Seychelles 2025: 40 Years of Culture, Music & Community
- Festival Kreol 2025 alle Seychelles: tra cultura, musica e riflessioni
- Seychelles presidential elections 2025
