Seychellois like a celebration, and some festivals are worth a detour or even choosing your travel dates around. Here are the main events of the year, with the next date always listed first. They include the Festival Kreol in October and National Day on 29 June, when the Seychelles mark independence in 1976.
2026 was a special year: the Seychelles celebrated 50 years of independence, and the Festival Kreol took place for the 41st time.
The next dates
Festival Kreol
The Festival Kreol is the country's most important cultural event. It celebrates Creole language, music, dance, food, art and fashion, and runs throughout October at various venues. The main programme is on Mahé, with individual evenings on other islands too. You can read more about the background under Culture of the Seychelles and Society.
The 2026 programme as an example
The programme is put together afresh every year. The overview shows what a festival October looks like. The official opening in 2026 was on 23 October at the Music Stadium in Victoria.
| Date 2026 | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 October | Regatta with sport, music and food, from 10 am | Beau Vallon |
| 10 October | Bazar Spesyal, Creole market, 10 am to 6 pm | Domaine de Val des Prés |
| 10 to 31 October | Art exhibition on 50 years of independence, daily 9 am to 4 pm | National Gallery, Victoria |
| 17 October | Karnaval Zanfan (12 to 6:30 pm), evening Regional Moutya in Anse Royale | Victoria, Anse Royale |
| 24 October | Regional Moutya, 4 pm to midnight | La Digue |
| 25 October | Dimans Kreol Borlanmer, Creole Sunday by the sea, from 10 am | Beau Vallon, Grand Anse Mahé |
| 29 to 31 October | Tonbola, Creole fair with specialties, games and stage | Freedom Square, Victoria |
| 31 October | Bal Bobes, Creole ball until morning | Selected places |
Moutya is the traditional dance of the Seychelles, danced to drums and song. The regional Moutya evenings are a good chance to see it where it belongs: among local people rather than on a hotel stage.
The former Carnaval International de Victoria was held in spring for many years. According to reports, the big parade is no longer scheduled as a separate spring event, although there was a children's parade during Festival Kreol week in 2026. If you are travelling for a carnival, check the date beforehand with the Seychelles Tourism Board.
Festivals through the year
| Time | Festival | Location and note |
|---|---|---|
| January | Seychelles Sailing Cup, regattas with catamarans, yachts and pirogues, plus a deep-sea fishing competition | Praslin, about one week |
| Mid-March | Francophonie Week | Mahé, one week |
| 25 May | FetAfrik (Africa Day) with music, dance, art and food | Mahé |
| 18 and 29 June | Constitution Day and National Day marking independence in 1976 | Nationwide |
| 15 August | Assumption of Mary, the Catholic feast with procession and beach program | La Digue, also a public holiday |
| September or early October | Regatta | Beau Vallon, 2026 from 2 to 4 October |
| October | Festival Kreol | Victoria and other places |
| Mostly November | Seychelles Ocean Festival with underwater photography and marine conservation, formerly known as SUBIOS | Beau Vallon, no confirmed date found for 2026 |
| 25 December | Christmas | Nationwide, church services and family celebrations |
National Day and public holidays
On National Day, 29 June, the Seychelles commemorate independence from Britain. In 2026, for the 50th anniversary, 30 June was also a day off, according to the Central Bank of Seychelles. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following day is a holiday too. This applies, for example, to All Saints' Day on 1 November. For opening hours that fit your travel dates, see Opening hours in the Seychelles.
Planning around the festivals
Whether a festival fits in with your holiday also depends on the season. For weather and the best time to travel, read Best time to visit and Climate and weather. Sailing around the regattas is covered in Sailing in the Seychelles, and marine conservation and diving under Diving and snorkelling.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Festival Kreol take place?
In October. In 2026 the programme ran throughout the month, with the focus on the last week of October. Tonbola and Bal Bobes closed the festival from 29 to 31 October. The date for 2027 will be announced each year.
Is there an entrance fee?
Many events are open to everyone. Individual concerts, balls or excursions may charge fees. The organiser of each event can give you reliable prices.
Is there a carnival?
The Carnaval International de Victoria used to be held in spring and was later moved to the Festival Kreol period in October. Whether a big parade takes place, and in what form, is something to ask the Tourism Board before you book.
Which festival is held on La Digue?
The Feast of the Assumption on 15 August. In 2026, La Digue also hosted a regional Moutya evening as part of the Festival Kreol.
When is the Ocean Festival?
Usually in November at Beau Vallon. When I researched this, I could not find a confirmed date for 2026, though one report mentions the end of November. Check with the organiser before you travel.
