Members of the public as well as visitors had the opportunity to taste and experience all things Creole on Saturday, through the first Domaine Bazaar at Domaine de Val des Pres, Au Cap.
This bazaar, which will take place every third Saturday during the month from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening, is an initiative of the National Institute for Culture, Heritage and Country, through the Seychelles National Heritage Resources (SNHRC) in partnership with the Seychelles Tourism Department.
The purpose of this activity is to offer visitors an authentic, unique and unforgettable cultural experience.
For the launch of the first edition, the permanent secretary of the National Institute for Culture, Heritage and Country, Cecile Kalebi, noted that this bazaar is just one of the cultural activities organized by this institution, to promote culture, tradition and Creole heritage.
These activities that will take place in this traditional village are part of the ongoing effort to ensure that there are more cultural experiences to visit in this village, in the interest of artisans and small businesses in this village.
“This bazaar will also allow dialogue between cultural experts and the public, where the sharing is done, and the knowledge is transmitted, in a relaxing atmosphere, which will bring together our community, family and neighbors,” Mrs. Kalebi said.
There were at least 40 small businesses that participated on Saturday, including those that are located in the village on a permanent basis, some that were offering artistic products such as paintings and paintings, while others were offering typically Creole goods and food, such as a variety of jams made with local fries, fried eggs, nougat, ladob, and tangerine jam.
There is also a variety of plants with medicinal properties.
Mrs. Tessy Thomas, one of the entrepreneurs who participated in this first edition with typically Creole guardians, says that this initiative is well appreciated by all who came down to make a tour of the village on Saturday.
“It’s good and I ask that we repeat these activities from time to time. It’s my first time participating, and I didn’t expect it. My problems are over. I didn’t have much, but a small variety of desserts and appetizers, but it’s all over, and look at the time it’s summer. The visitors are very happy, and they enjoy our culture and creole,” Mrs. Thomas said.
On his part, the executive director of the National Heritage of Seychelles, Benjamine Rose, said that he expects that the bazaar will continue to attract many sellers, as well as visitors.
He also added that he is satisfied with the participation and variety of products.
“We hope that it will become a center, where visitors who land in Seychelles know and are excited to experience Creole products and traditional games, where they can experience Seychellois culture,” Mrs. Rose added.
The opening ceremony was hosted by Benn Lansiv.
The first bazaar ended with a mutia in the plain at 6 o’clock in the evening.
The National Resource for the Heritage of Seychelles also plans to offer visitors other experiences such as learning and participating in the preparation of Creole food and dishes, and workshops that will help revive cultural know-how, such as learning to make capatya, sapo peace and zig broom , on Tuesdays and Thursdays, where this traditional village.
In collaboration with the Seychelles Creative Agency, the Cocoa Museum and the village gallery will also open their doors soon.
The launch of this bazaar was one of many activities as part of the Kreol Festival 2022.
Our selection of portraits shows the atmosphere of this bazaar.
Source: Seychelles Nation