HAVING triumphed with its hugely successful Carnival of Carnivals in March, the Seychelles is now preparing for another major event, the Festival of the Sea (SUBIOS) which takes place from November 4 to 6.
Established in 1989, the SUBIOS event started off as an underwater and image festival, which has proved popular for showcasing the islands’ magnificent marine heritage with a wide range of activities, presentations, film-shows, school projects, and, of course, the image and film competition.
This year, the Seychelles Tourism Board, which organises the event, plans to build on this foundation and expand the activities to become the Seychelles Festival of the Sea.
The festival will retain some of the traditional elements such as the Underwater Film & Image Competition but will also introduce new sections such as raft building, which will see local schools racing their home-made craft across the bay of Beau Vallon in Mahe.
A flotilla of decorated boats will grace the bay and there are plans for floating eateries, food stalls, a variety of entertainment options, competitions and live music shows.
“The Seychelles Tourism Board marketing machinery will now be working on ensuring that this Festival of the Sea is known as widely as possible both here in Seychelles and in the four corners of the world. We are already finalising arrangements for a large group of divers from Asia to be in Seychelles for the Underwater Film & Image Competition,” said Alain St Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board.