I was so excited when i received the call to produce costumes for the Seychelles carnival. I was stunned as we had no idea there was a carnival taking place and more excited to know Genesis Carnival Company was chosen to do the work for Masons Travel who were venturing into a mas band.
I had two weeks to get the whole production completed. 30 costumes. AHHHHH
Anyway we made the deadline and I couldn’t wait to get out there and meet the team and see the costumes and the carnival.
We arrived at the Seychelles International Airport on Thursday 3rd March we had to stop in Dubai on the way there. It was a nearly 24 hours traveling.
Our hotel was on the beach which i loved, The heat was immense but i loved every bit of it.
We unpacked and then a car picked us up to take us to the Mason’s workshop. this is where i got to meet the team and the masqueraders who were rehearsing their performance dance for the parade.
It was a small band of 40 people plus volunteers and engineers for the music and truck.
I had shipped the costumes a few days before my arrival so i took a look to make sure all was still in place. We made a few touch ups the humidity made a few of the feathers limp and life less so we had to sort that out. We did a fitting to make sure all costumes fit and the head pieces were ok. I was happy and my clients were happy.
Friday we went for a tour around the island. Seychelles is such a beautiful place. It is definitely a romantic place and the locals pride themselves on its culture and tradition.
On the Friday evening there was a lovely opening ceremony. An opening address by CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, costumes from the Notting Hill Carnival Road show Company which also featured CSi Steel Orchestra.
There were Live performances by Trinidad and Tobago Soca artist Lima Calbio, and other global artists, and a speech by UN Goodwill Ambassador Dionne Warwick.
Saturday was the day of the parade. Everyone was hyped and excited. it was the first carnival so there was so much excitement. We met up at the workshop by 7am.
We dressed the crew, did their makeup and we were ready to go.
The carnival was very organised. All the bands meet at a certain point where they filter onto the route. Then their is a VIP and judging point area a few miles along the route. I noticed how all spectators stood and watched and cheered on respecting the bands passing along and enjoyed the spectacle.
Notting Hill can certainly learn from Seychelles. The MAS was the focal point. The costumes and the colour the music was why everyone was there. It is not confused what carnival is about there.
The event is managed very well. Although Seychelles population is small 85,000 approx., authorities seemed to have everything under control. There were after parties in the street and in clubs. The whole island came alive.
Sadly Sunday was my time to return to London. I had a lovely time. A big thank you to the Seychelles Tourism Board, Masons Travel and all the new friends we made on this trip. You all made our trip comfortable and enjoyable and packed with fun! Genesis do hope to return next year.
Peace & Love.x
