The Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mrs Hon. Amanda Bernstein, conducted her first official visit to La Digue on Saturday, 6 December 2025, where she joined residents and visitors for the special Christmas edition of Rendezvous Diguois—a cultural event that has become a signature celebration of Seychellois heritage.
La Digue, Seychelles’ third-most populated island, is renowned for its tranquil charm, traditional way of life, and iconic landscapes such as Anse Source d’Argent, often cited as one of the world’s most photographed beaches. With its slow-paced, bicycle-dominated culture and strong community bonds, the island has long been regarded as a living emblem of Creole identity, making it a fitting host for such cultural showcases.
A Festive Edition of a Growing Cultural Tradition
First launched by the Tourism Department in September 2022, the Creole Rendezvous programme is held quarterly on La Digue and Praslin. Over the years, it has developed into an authentic cultural platform where music, gastronomy, traditional craft, and community spirit intertwine to celebrate Seychelles’ roots.
This December’s Rendezvous Diguois took place over two days, transforming the island into a lively, festive hub. The programme featured children’s animations, a visit from Santa Claus with gift-giving sessions, Christmas carols, traditional Creole cuisine, live music, moutya performances, and a vibrant marketplace showcasing locally crafted products.
Minister Bernstein Commends Community Efforts
Speaking after the event, Minister Bernstein praised the collaborative spirit that has shaped Rendezvous Diguois into a cultural mainstay.
“La Digue is more than a destination. It is a feeling. There truly is no place quite like this island. I am proud of the efforts of all our suppliers, partners, and dedicated community members, and I look forward to seeing this event go from strength to strength,” she said.
The Minister emphasised her commitment to working closely with Diguois communities to strengthen cultural preservation and ensure La Digue remains a proud pillar of Creole heritage.
Stakeholder Engagement and Cultural Site Visits
In addition to attending the event, Minister Bernstein held an open meeting with tourism and cultural stakeholders at the La Digue Community Centre. Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration and identifying future support for the island’s cultural and tourism development.
Her programme also included visits to key cultural landmarks, such as L’Union Estate, a historic coconut and vanilla plantation that reflects the island’s agricultural past, and the La Digue Library, an important community resource promoting education and cultural literacy.
A Strengthened Vision for La Digue’s Cultural Future
The Minister’s visit underscored the government’s continued dedication to protecting and celebrating La Digue’s unique identity—an island where tradition, culture, and community remain deeply intertwined. As Rendezvous Diguois continues to expand, it is poised to further elevate the island’s role as a vibrant cultural heartbeat of Seychelles.
