Christmas in Seychelles

Most people in Seychelles are christians, so Christmas is a very important time for them as they celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Seychelles are made of 155 tropical islands in the Indian Ocean about 1500km (930m) off the east coast of Africa. The weather is warm (or hot) all year round. December and January are normally the wettest months of the year. The average temperature around Christmas time is 27°C (81°F).

Many churches will have nativity scenes set up in or by them. The capital of Seychelles, Victoria, is decorated with lots of Christmas lights which people like to visit. Most homes will have a Christmas Tree. The trees are normally artificial as real trees have to be imported to the islands. Sometimes local trees like palm trees or casuarina trees might be decorated.

The main Christmas meal is eaten during the evening of Christmas Eve. Because of the location and history of the Seychelles, there are many different styles of food eaten. Roast Turkey or Pork/Ham are often eaten for the main dish but they might have a creole twist to them.

Following the meal, many people will go to a Midnight Mass service. The largest Mass is held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cathedral, in Victoria.

Presents are often opened on Christmas morning. Children hope to get presents from Santa Claus, he might also be called Papa Noël.

New Year is also a big celebration on the Seychelles. Both January 1st and 2nd are public holidays, so people really like to party on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day!

In Seychelles most people speak Seychellois Creole, so Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Bonn e Erez Ane'. Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages.