Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
People of Seychelles
The population of the Seychelles is more strongly African than in Mauritius or Réunion,
but even so you'll see almost every shade of skin and hair imaginable, arising from a mix-
ture of largely French and African genes, together with infusions of Indian, Chinese and
Arab blood. Distinct Indian and Chinese communities make up only a tiny proportion of
the ethnic mix, however, the rest being Creole. As for the
grands blancs
, most were dis-
possessed in the wake of the 1977 coup.
As in Mauritius and Réunion, it is the Creole language, cuisine and culture that helps
bind the Seychelles society. Over 90% of the population speak Creole as their first lan-
guage, though most also speak English - the language of government and business - and
French.
About 90% of Seychellois live on Mahé and nearly a third of these are concentrated in
and around the capital. Most of the remaining 10% live on Praslin and La Digue, while
the other islands are either uninhabited or home to tiny communities.
Religion
Nearly 90% of Seychellois are Roman Catholic, 7% are Anglican and 2.5% belong to the
rapidly expanding evangelical churches. The remainder belong to the tiny Hindu, Muslim
and Chinese communities largely based in Victoria.
Most people are avid churchgoers. On a Sunday, Victoria's Catholic and Anglican
cathedrals, as well as the smaller churches scattered around the main islands, are full to
bursting.
There is also a widespread belief in the supernatural and in the old magic of spirits
known as
gris gris
. Sorcery was outlawed in 1958, but a few
bonhommes
and
bonne-
femmes di bois
(medicine men and women) still practise their cures and curses and con-
coct potions for love, luck and revenge.
Arts
MUSIC
The Indian, European, Chinese and Arabic backgrounds of the Seychellois are reflected in
their music. Patrick Victor and Jean-Marc Volcy are two of the Seychelles' best-known
musicians, playing Creole pop and folk music. Other local stars are Emmanuel Marie and
