Fireworks and a flyover highlight Seychelles 40th independence celebration

For the first time there was a fly-over from Air Seychelles using its largest Airbus at the independence day celebration. (Mervyn Marie, State House)

(Seychelles News Agency) - Seychelles celebrated its 40^th independence Wednesday in a ceremony highlighted by a fly-over from Air Seychelles -- a first for the national airline and a display from Chinese performers.

To commemorate the country’s 40 years of independence, local organisers had promised a more spectacular ceremony this year.

Two Twin Otters and one Airbus 330 carried out the fly-over while flown by Seychellois pilots. The airplanes flew at the lowest altitude possible over the Stad Linite on the eastern coast of Mahe where the official ceremony took place.

The ceremony started with three helicopters carrying the Seychelles national flag which was then hoisted as the crowd sang the national anthem ‘Koste Seselwa’.

Helicopters, twin otters of the national airline, the Island Development Company and air force took part in the show. (Joena Bonnelame, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

Parachutists from Reunion followed with flags of the countries participating in the event and this year -- China, Britain, France, India and Mauritius.

The parade is customary every year, followed by the presidential address. New this year were two platoons of veterans aged 55 to 81.

A total of 26 platoons of military and police officers from Seychelles and friendly countries as well as civilians including senior citizens took part in the parade. (Joena Bonnelame, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

Police officers from Mauritius and military officers from France, Britain and India were also among the 29 platoons participating in the parade.

After the military parade there were performances focused on traditional songs

Parachutists from Reunion followed with flags of the countries participating in the event and this year -- China, Britain, France, India and Mauritius. (Joena Bonnelame, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

Three choirs -- the national choir, the school choir and the Our Lady choir from the southern district of Anse Boileau -- sang patriotic songs.

One song spoke of the departure of the British flag, entitled 'Orevwar Union Jack,’ meaning goodbye Union Jack, a nickname for the the British flag. The performance ended with the release of pigeons as a symbol of peace.

Another well known number which spectators sang along with and waved their flags to was one by veteran artist Parick Victor -- ‘O mon pei,’ meaning 'Oh my country.'

Local veteran artist John Wirtz performed his song ‘desann pou lendepandans’ meaning come down for independence.

Local veteran artist John Wirtz performing at the independence day celebration. (Mervyn Marie, State House) Photo License: CC-BY

After the musical performance, the ceremony saw a spectacular display from Chinese performers of the Province of Henan in central China.

The performance included demonstration of martial arts, ballet dancing and gymnastics.

Seychelles' 40^th anniversary independence day ceremony ended with fireworks. 

Chinese performers also entertained the crowd with martial arts, ballet dancing and gymnastics. (Mervyn Marie, State House) Photo License: CC-BY