Seychelles to Mark First-Ever National Abolition of Slavery Day

Beyond the Beaches, the Vanilla Island nation is elevating Heritage Tourism with this new Abolition commemorations, which may just turn February into the new must-visit month for culture seekers.

The Seychelles is set to embark on a profound journey of remembrance as the government unveils plans for the first-ever national commemoration of Abolition of Slavery Day on February 1, 2026. This landmark occasion follows the 24 December 2025 Cabinet approval designating the date as a permanent national public holiday.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the observance is designed to foster a national space for reflection, education, and unity, while significantly bolstering the archipelago’s cultural and heritage tourism offerings.

A Monument for the Ancestors

In a standout announcement during Monday’s media briefing, the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Amanda Bernstein, launched a national call for artists. Creatives are invited to submit designs for a new commemorative monument to be unveiled in 2027 at Remembrance Park.

“This commemoration honours our Seychellois ancestors and the immense sacrifices they made,” Minister Bernstein stated. Local expert Odile De Comarmond echoed this sentiment, noting that the day serves as a collective expression of gratitude for the resilience of those who shaped the nation’s identity.

Key Events: February 2026 Programme

The month-long calendar, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, features exhibitions, artistic performances, and academic discussions across the islands:

• 30 January: The National History Museum in Victoria opens an exhibition showcasing essays, drawings, and poems by children, offering a poignant look at how the younger generation interprets the history of slavery.
• 1 February (Abolition of Slavery Day): An official commemorative ceremony will be held in the morning, featuring a blend of dance, poetry, and music. The evening will see the rebroadcast of the acclaimed Nesans en Pep by the Mahe Chamber Choir on SBC 1.
• 3 February – 3 March: Two major exhibitions, ‘Echoes Across the Ocean and Memory’ and ‘Enslavement and Identity,’ will debut at the National Gallery.
• 9 March Onwards: A travelling district exhibition will rotate weekly across Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, ensuring the entire population can engage with this vital history.

Cultural Identity and Tourism

The elevation of this day to a national level signifies a shift in how the western Indian Ocean archipelago recognises its socio-economic and historical roots. Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for Tourism, emphasized that integrating such powerful historical narratives into the national identity is essential for a more authentic and compelling tourism offer.

Principal Secretary for Culture, Cecile Kalebi, added that 2026 represents a turning point, as the contributions of enslaved and liberated Africans are finally given the national platform they deserve.