Seychellois culture

The Republic of Seychelles has succeeded in fusing the various threads of its diverse human and cultural heritage into a harmonious and fully integrated entity.

With the majority of Seychellois being descendants of Africans, who were brought here by slave-traders in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, strong undercurrents of mainland African tradition are discernible in the local culture.Other Seychellois, who voluntarily settled in these islands, also brought with them a varied cultural background. The abject poverty suffered by the slaves and the struggles by the settlers led to a mutual effort to improve their lives. The linkage provided fertile ground for the creation and development of a unique Seychellois heritage and culture.

The government has formed the National School of Music and the National Cultural Troupe to foster a cultural identity and tradition. The National Museum on Independence Avenue, Victoria, exhibits local cultural and natural history along with artifacts including ship wreckage, coral, voodoo implements, stuffed tortoises, old musical instruments and household objects and various possessions of the pirates who once roamed the waters.

More recent cultural trends reflect the Seychellois revolutionary struggle, portraying popular aspirations for liberty, equality and unity. These egalitarian notions are the cornerstones of Seychelles' constantly evolving political dialogue. Cultural expression has total freedom in the form and manner it takes and is actively encouraged and supported by the Government.

Seychelles continues to benefit from international communications and cultural exchanges involving music, film, and literature. External cultural influences will always be prevalent in Seychelles. However, a rich and deeply ingrained heritage will be able to thrive in harmony with other cultural statements.