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Who are the Creoles?
The people in the Indian Ocean are from African, Indian, and
Chinese extraction. Their ancestors were slaves brought over
to work the sugar cane, vanilla, and tea plantations. Through
intermarriage and interracial relationships, Africans fused
with French, Indian, and Chinese to create a set of people
commonly known as Creoles.
About Mahé
Every year, for a week at the end of October, the people
of the Republic of Seychelles pay homage to their island's
Creole heritage with Festival Kreol which takes place
in multiple locations on the island of Mahé.
Mahé is the largest granite island in the Seychelles.
It was claimed by a lazy Frenchman called Captain Lazare Picault
in 1742. He thought that by firing off seven rounds of cannon
and yelling 'long live the King', he'd have this lovely piece
of turf. Originally, fifteen French settlers transported just
seven African slaves to inhabit Mahé. When the British
abolished slavery in 1833, the French and Dutch brought over
indentured Indian and Chinese labourers to farm their plantations.
What happens at Festival Kreol?
The only major non-religious festival celebrated by the predominantly
Catholic population, Festival Kreol is dedicated to
preserving and promoting Creole food, fashion, art, music,
and dance. During the festival week, seminars and debates
are organized by the Kreol Institute, who promote the
Kreol-Seselwa language (Creole), which is the mother tongue
of Seychellois. Classes are held where you can learn to speak
Creole. Visit the Creole village in Victoria with stalls
selling crafts and Creole food. The festival is both an international
exchange and a promotion of indigenous arts which attracts
Creole artists from around the world.
Bal Asosye
Part of the celebration week is an all-night party called
the Bal Asosye, which is basically a posh ball with
traditional with in an exclusive, small venue and the tickets
are very expensive. It starts at 6pm and continues until 7am
the next morning - with no let up. At midnight, a spicy soup
of potatoes and herbs is passed around to keep everyone awake.
At Bal Asosye you will see plenty of traditional dances like:
- Kamntole - a square danse performed 'dos a dos'.
- Moutya - the Seychelles national dance which is very
frisky and always danced around campfires. Moutya is a dialogue
between a man and a woman - either in the form of a fight
or courtship - featuring improvised lyrics.
- Sega is the traditional Creole dance, conceived by
African slaves as a diversion from the injustices of their
daily existence. Sega was banned by the Catholic Church for
being too 'erotic'. The dance is all swaying hips - in fact
your feet never leave the ground; this is symbolic because
slaves wore shackles around their feet.
- Lakadan is performed at the festival: a spectacular
sega show with a touch of moutya-mouge and moutya-maloge
featuring the best known bands in the Seychelles.
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