Seychelles will, for the first time in its history, officially commemorate the Abolition of Slavery on 1st February, marking what the Government has described as a historic and deeply significant milestone for the nation.
The announcement was made on January 26th, 2026, at a press conference addressed by the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Amanda Bernstein, alongside senior officials from the tourism and culture sectors and a leading historian.
Addressing members of the media, Bernstein described the upcoming commemoration as a moment of national reflection and acknowledgement. “In one week’s time, on 1st February, Seychelles will, for the very first time, commemorate the Abolition of Slavery in our country. This marks a historic milestone for our nation,” she said.
According to the Minister, the day is intended to honour a painful but foundational chapter of Seychelles’ history. “This day will be one of remembrance and acknowledgement of a past that has shaped us in profound ways. The slave trade represents a painful chapter in our history, but it is also a foundational one, one that has deeply influenced our Creole culture, our heritage, our traditions, and our identity as Seychellois,” she stated.
Why February 1
Bernstein explained that the choice of 1st February is rooted in historical fact. Slavery was abolished across British colonies in 1835, with Mauritius formally abolishing slavery on 1st February of that year. At the time, Seychelles fell under the same colonial administration.
“When the Emancipation Act came into force, 6,521 enslaved people were freed in Seychelles, out of a total population of about 7,500,” the Minister noted, adding that this was followed by an apprenticeship system that lasted until 1839.
She further highlighted the diverse origins of the enslaved population, which included people from Madagascar and several African regions such as Zanzibar, Mozambique, Somalia and Ethiopia, as well as India and other parts of the world.
The Tourism and Culture Minister stressed that the commemoration goes beyond recalling history. “This commemoration is not only about remembering the past. It is about acknowledging the truth, honouring those who suffered and resisted, and recognising the contributions of generations who transformed hardship into culture, identity, and unity,” she said.
She also emphasised the importance of education and inclusion, noting that young people must understand the nation’s history so that “diversity, dignity, and inclusion must remain central to our society.”
Through a national programme, Seychelles will host a commemorative ceremony, artistic and educational activities, and heritage initiatives focused on memory, enslavement, identity, and resilience. “We are collaboratively working with historians, artists, communities, youth groups, and international partners to ensure that this commemoration is inclusive, respectful, and meaningful,” Bernstein said.
Cultural tourism and community impact
Also speaking at the press conference, Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for Tourism, highlighted the significance of the commemoration for cultural tourism and economic positioning. She explained that the initiative strengthens authentic cultural storytelling and enhances Seychelles’ destination brand beyond its traditional “sun, sea, and sand” image.
Francis noted that cultural heritage tourism aligns with sustainable tourism principles, including community participation, conservation, and inclusive economic benefits. She also announced plans for workshops and training programmes for tourist guides to improve historical interpretation and storytelling for visitors, as well as opportunities to preserve and develop historical sites linked to slavery and emancipation.
Cecille Kalebi, Principal Secretary for Culture, outlined the programme of activities planned for the commemoration, including cultural performances, exhibitions, educational programmes and public dialogues. She encouraged national participation, both through physical attendance and via live or recorded broadcasts and underscored the role of culture as a vehicle for memory, intergenerational transmission and identity-building.
Historical perspective
Providing historical context, Dr. Odile De Comarmond, Historian, spoke on the abolition of slavery globally and within the Indian Ocean region. She explained the historical reasoning behind the chosen date and reflected on the post-abolition period, highlighting how formerly enslaved people played a central role in shaping modern Seychelles socially, economically and culturally.
The Government expects the commemoration to increase public awareness and understanding of Seychelles’ slavery and emancipation history, strengthen national unity, and reinforce the country’s role as a regional leader in cultural memory and reconciliation discourse.
Concluding her address, Bernstein invited all Seychellois to take part in the historic observance. “Together, we honour the past, understand the present, and build a future rooted in respect, unity, and shared identity,” she said.
