All Saints’ and All Souls observances in Seychelles blend deep Catholic devotion with island customs, filling churches and cemeteries with flowers, candles, and family gatherings at the turn of November. All Saints’ Day (La Toussaint) is a national public holiday on Saturday, November 1, 2025, followed by All Souls’ Day on Sunday, November 2, a quieter commemoration focused on prayers for the departed. Official holiday calendars, tourism and culture guides, and local histories confirm the public holiday status, Creole traditions of cemetery visits, and the significance of historic burial grounds on Mahé where families tend graves and light candles from dusk.
Dates and public holiday status
- All Saints’ Day falls on Saturday, November 1, 2025, and is a designated public holiday in Seychelles; most offices close, and many businesses keep reduced hours. Government lists and global holiday calendars confirm the date and status.
- All Souls’ Day follows on Sunday, November 2, 2025; it is widely observed liturgically but is not listed as a separate public holiday, with primary focus on Masses and cemetery prayers.
What Seychellois do
- Church and cemetery: Families attend Mass then visit cemeteries to clean headstones, place fresh flowers, and light candles at loved ones’ graves, a practice described locally as central to La Toussaint and the following day’s All Souls observance.
- Evening remembrance: As night falls on November 1, cemeteries are illuminated by candles, creating a solemn glow across rows of graves, a regional Catholic custom echoed in Seychelles sources.
- Family time: After services and cemetery visits, households gather for meals and quiet remembrance, reinforcing the day’s role in community bonding.
Where observances unfold
- Mont Fleuri Cemetery (Mahé): The largest cemetery in Seychelles, opened in 1875, with thousands of interments and historic graves from the 19th and 20th centuries; a focal point for All Saints/All Souls visits in the capital region.
- Bel Air Cemetery (Mahé): The oldest historic burial ground near Victoria, where families also pay respects; noted for figures of folklore and early colonial history, adding cultural resonance to cemetery traditions.
- Parish grounds across the islands: Parish cemeteries in districts on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue host local gatherings for prayers and blessings of graves after Mass.
Cultural and historical context
- Catholic heritage: French mission roots shaped a predominantly Catholic culture, making La Toussaint a salient national observance with cemetery rituals, floral offerings, and candles tied to honoring saints and the faithful departed.
- Historic sites and memory: Local histories document Mahé’s burial grounds, from Bel Air’s 18th–19th century notables to Mont Fleuri’s clerics, officials, and families, situating present‑day commemorations within a long arc of island memory.
Practical tips for visitors
- Expect closures: November 1 is a public holiday; banks, offices, and some shops close or keep shorter hours; plan errands and bookings accordingly.
- Candle etiquette: Buy candles and flowers early; at cemeteries, keep pathways clear, speak softly, and avoid flash photography near worshippers during prayers or blessings.
- Dress and conduct: Modest, respectful attire is appreciated at Mass and in cemeteries; follow any posted guidance from parish staff during grave blessings.
Attending services
- Parish Masses: Catholic parishes across Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue hold special Liturgies on November 1; All Souls’ Day on November 2 features requiem prayers and often cemetery blessings. Check local parish boards for times.
- Language: Services may be in English, French, or Seychellois Creole, reflecting the islands’ multilingual tradition; visitors are welcome to join respectfully.
Visiting historic cemeteries
- Bel Air Cemetery, Victoria: Oldest official burial ground, tied to early French settlement; known for the “giant boy” legend and graves of sailors, clergy, and colonial figures; visits on La Toussaint connect folklore and faith.
- Mont Fleuri Cemetery: Extensive grounds with distinctive crosses, vaults, and tombstones; many families focus All Souls prayers here, lighting candles at dusk.
- Safety and access: Use established paths, bring a small flashlight after dark, and be mindful of uneven ground typical of historic sites.
Broader Christian calendar link
- Continuity of feasts: All Saints’ Day in Seychelles is part of an annual Christian cycle that includes Corpus Christi in June and the Assumption in August, also public holidays that reflect the islands’ Catholic identity.
- Global resonance: Candle‑lit cemetery traditions on All Saints/All Souls mirror wider Catholic practices around the world, underscoring the shared meaning of remembrance and prayer for the departed.
Sample two‑day observance plan
- November 1 (All Saints’): Morning Mass at a Victoria parish; afternoon visit to Mont Fleuri Cemetery to place flowers; return near sunset to light candles; quiet family dinner.
- November 2 (All Souls’): Requiem Mass; stop at Bel Air Cemetery for graveside prayers; walk Victoria’s historic core to reflect on island heritage and faith.
Respectful photography and storytelling
- Photography: If documenting the candlelight, avoid intrusive flash; ask before photographing individuals at graves; panoramic shots from paths maintain privacy and reverence.
- Learning more: Cemetery plaques and parish boards sometimes include historical notes; pairing a visit with the Seychelles News Agency’s heritage features enriches understanding.
Verified essentials at a glance
- All Saints’ Day 2025: Saturday, November 1; public holiday in Seychelles; churches and cemeteries central to observance.
- All Souls’ Day 2025: Sunday, November 2; observed with requiem Masses and grave blessings; not a separate public holiday listing.
- Traditions: Mass attendance, cleaning and decorating graves, and candlelight vigils at dusk; family gatherings after services.
- Key sites: Mont Fleuri Cemetery and Bel Air Cemetery on Mahé, plus parish cemeteries across the islands.
Plan an early‑November stay that honors the islands’ quiet, luminous traditions. Attend Mass, bring flowers and candles to historic cemeteries, and witness a community’s gentle remembrance under the Creole sky. La Toussaint and All Souls in Seychelles offer a moving window into faith and family—arrive with respect, take part with care, and let the candlelight tell the story.
