Solid start by Bazaar la Brinn |13 August 2005

Around 15 vendors participated in this first Bazaar, due to be held at the same place and time over the next two weeks, selling an array of local produce such as fresh fish, vegetables, textiles, jewellery and curios. Also in evidence were food and drink stalls selling such local delicacies as ‘fryapan and poisson grillé, a selection of relishes, boiled cassava and homemade biscuits.

The Coral Strand Hotel contributed to the festive beachside ambiance with a beverage stall on the beach, while Al Mare offered a special selection of Creole cuisine as well as live music in the form of local singer “Travis”. Much to the delight of the tourists, there was also a traditional fireside moutya that did much to create the Creole atmosphere popular with visitors.

Judging from the crowd in attendance, the Bazaar, coordinated by the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) to provide locals with an additional opportunity to shop, vendors to showcase local wares and tourists to enjoy a cultural experience, was a success.

“I sold more here than on my stall at the market,” enthused one farmer as the Bazaar came to a close, at around 10 pm.

Seeking to fine-tune the workings of the Bazaar, STB is presently drawing up guidelines for vendors wishing to participate in future and which are designed to help it to build upon the event’s early success. STB asks vendors from north and central Mahé to contact its offices on tel. no 671300 for their registration passes for the coming Bazaars due to be held at Beau Vallon on the evenings of Wednesday August 17 and 24.

The next Bazaar promises to be equally entertaining for locals and tourists alike with its emphasis on the sale of local goods and products, additional food stalls and more entertainment options in the form of kamntole and moutya and jamming sessions at Al Mare and Coral Strand where an array of tempting local dishes and drinks will also be on sale.