There are fools everywhere, even in the furthest corners of the earth. But when real celebrities from dozens of nations come together, the spectacle is perfect. Like this weekend on the Seychelles island of Mahé in the Indian Ocean. There was also a 55-strong delegation from Düsseldorf, including the prince and princess, solo Marie and the dance guard. They showed islanders and tourists how carnival is celebrated in Germany. “Even the head of state, James Michel, was totally enthusiastic and clapped along as the Rhinelanders marched past,” said German Honorary Consul Kerstin Henri proudly.
This was only the second edition of the “Carnaval International de Victoria” in the island’s capital. “Last year, the event was much smaller and there weren’t as many tourists,” Lena Hoareau, a spokeswoman for the local tourism authority, told the news agency dpa. This time, thanks to intensive advertising at tourism fairs and travel agencies, the parade attracted so many visitors from all over the world that it was almost impossible to find a hotel room anywhere on the island.
This is why most of the passengers of the wrecked cruise ship “Costa Allegra”, who wanted to continue their vacation in the Seychelles, had to be taken by boat to the neighboring islands on Thursday. They missed the street party – but they probably didn’t feel like celebrating after the disastrous sea voyage anyway. However, the accident benefited the carnival itself: “So many international journalists flew in because of the ship’s arrival who would never normally have been here,” said Henri happily. “Almost all of them stayed and reported on the parade.”
“Melting pot of cultures” was the fitting motto. Colorfully decorated floats, dance groups and costumed people from all over the world paraded through the palm- and people-lined streets. The Seychelles themselves were represented, as well as the British “Notting Hill” Carnival, France, Kenya, Indonesia, Korea, China and the Caribbean state of Trinidad and Tobago. There was drumming, singing, fire breathing and exuberant dancing. The Russians had arrived in Mahé on a military ship and sent dozens of navy soldiers into the colorful street parade, which included combat and karate poses.
Even before the carnivalists from Düsseldorf, the most important utensil for the party had arrived on the dream island: “We sent a keg of Altbier in advance to avoid any problems with customs,” said Princess Venetia Anke Conti Mica. Yes, but isn’t it actually Lent in the Rhineland now that the great days have been over for a few weeks? “We have to get through this now. We’ll have a drink now and then start Lent a little later,” said Prince Thomas Puppe, alias Thomas II.
It was fun when the prince and princess and their aides shouted “Helau!” into the crowd. The battle cry is unknown in the Seychelles. The islanders nevertheless greet back enthusiastically: “Hello!”
As wonderful as it was for the German jesters to march along in the island paradise, the heat was getting to them under their wigs and hats. “But at least we don’t have to put on five pairs of tights on top of each other here, like in winter in Düsseldorf,” laughs Nadine Reichert from the Düsseldorf Dance Guard. Despite overcast tropical skies, temperatures rose to over 30 degrees with high humidity.
The idea for the carnival came about after the “Vanilla Islands” concept and brand were launched in 2010. In addition to the Seychelles, the group also includes the other islands in the turquoise-blue Indian Ocean: Mauritius, Reunion, Madagascar and the Comoros. They have joined forces to boost tourism on all the islands involved with innovative events.
And what is the conclusion of the Düsseldorf fools? “People react very differently here, they are happy when we dance and haven’t just come for the camels,” said a Mariechen. And the prince? He found it “exciting to see how other countries celebrate carnival”. Because carnival is not a local thing, it’s everywhere.