The public holidays in the Seychelles reflect both international traditions and the country's own history and culture. Many dates will look familiar if you come from Europe, because most Seychellois are Roman Catholic and the Christian calendar shapes the year. Others, like Constitution Day and National Day, are truly Seychellois and tell the story of a young, proud nation.
In total the Seychelles has 11 official public holidays, with Easter counted as one festival. Holidays often bring church services, music, family gatherings and cultural events. For visitors they are a wonderful chance to see everyday island life at its most joyful.
All public holidays in the Seychelles
Here is the full list with the English name and the name in Seychellois Creole (Kreol Seselwa), the everyday language of our island.
| Date | Holiday | Creole name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year's Day | Nouvo Lannen |
| 2 January | New Year Holiday | Nouvo Lannen |
| March or April | Easter: Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday | Lafet Pak |
| 1 May | Labour Day | Lazournen Travayer |
| May or June (varies) | Corpus Christi | Fet Dye |
| 18 June | Constitution Day | Lazournen Konstitisyonel |
| 29 June | Independence Day (National Day) | Lazournen Nasyonal |
| 15 August | Assumption Day | Lasonpsyon |
| 1 November | All Saints' Day | Fet de Mor ek La Tou Sen |
| 8 December | Immaculate Conception | Imakile Konsepsyon |
| 25 December | Christmas Day | Nwel |
Easter and Corpus Christi move with the church calendar, so their dates change every year.
The holidays in more detail
New Year: Nouvo Lannen
The year starts with two days off. New Year's Eve, the reveyon, is celebrated with family, friends, music and food, and the celebrations continue on 1 and 2 January.
Easter: Lafet Pak
Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are important church days. Services are well attended, and afterwards families often meet for a meal or a picnic.
Constitution Day and National Day
18 June honours the constitution, and 29 June is the anniversary of the declaration of independence. These are the most Seychellois of all holidays, a time of national pride and celebration.
Assumption, All Saints and Immaculate Conception
These Catholic feast days show how deeply faith is rooted in daily life. On All Saints' Day (Fet de Mor ek La Tou Sen) many families visit the graves of their loved ones.
Christmas: Nwel
Christmas under palm trees is a special experience. Midnight mass, family lunches and beach gatherings make it a warm and happy time.
How Seychellois celebrate
Beneath the tropical sky, the people of the Seychelles celebrate life with warmth and joy. Christian traditions form the heart of the festive calendar, while secular festivals, cultural gatherings and modern events also play a lively part in island life.
Music and dance are at the centre of Seychellois culture and belong to every celebration. From traditional Creole rhythms to international sounds, streets, beaches and open air venues come alive, and not only at weekends.
Sundays often begin with morning mass, which many Seychellois women take very seriously, followed by time with family and friends. Typical celebrations include Creole style beach picnics, lively barbecues and dancing late into the night. The warm climate all year round is the perfect backdrop: a beach barbecue, a campfire under the stars or a spontaneous dance by the ocean.
Tips for visitors on public holidays
- Many shops, offices and some attractions may close or keep shorter hours on public holidays in the Seychelles. Please check opening times in advance.
- Beaches can be busier than usual, because local families love to spend the day by the sea.
- If you would like to see a church service, dress respectfully and arrive early.
- Public holidays are a great time to feel the island's festive spirit, so enjoy the music and the relaxed mood.
Explore Mahé on a holiday
A private Mahé Island Tour or a relaxed Beach Tour is a lovely way to spend a public holiday on our island. Your guide tells you about the traditions behind each celebration, and we pick you up free of charge anywhere on Mahé. If you are unsure what is open on your travel dates, just ask us. We are happy to help you plan a day that fits.
