The Republic of Seychelles, a famous tropical country and one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, has officially confirmed its participation in Expo 2027 Belgrade. The event will be held under the theme “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All”.

This exotic island nation in the tropical belt of the Indian Ocean first participated in International Exhibitions at Expo 1985 Tsukuba. Since then, it has regularly presented itself at World and Specialized Expos. Seychelles became a Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) member in 1997, and at Expo 2020 Dubai, the country’s pavilion received a Gold Award for Exhibition Design.

Cultural and Sports Heritage

Seychelles boasts a rich cultural heritage shaped by various influences from Africa, Europe, India, and China, and this unique blend is reflected in the island's traditions, languages , and customs.

Although English and French are official languages, the most widely spoken language in the archipelago is Seychellois Creole, a French-based Creole language essential to national identity. As such, literature and music are most often expressed in this language.

An indispensable part of Seychelles' culture is traditional musical genres, such as sega and moutya, which celebrate the island's African roots. Particularly interesting is the latter, a lively dance characterized by rhythmic movements and often performed at various celebrations and gatherings. Moutya is not just a form of entertainment but also a means of storytelling and cultural expression. It is performed with traditional musical instruments such as the moutya drum, and due to its significance to the identity and cultural landscape of Seychelles, it has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Football is the most popular sport in Seychelles, but the archipelago’s maritime heritage is best reflected through sailing and deep-sea fishing, in which the archipelago holds various sports records.

Relations with Serbia

Traditionally good and friendly diplomatic relations between Serbia and Seychelles were established in 1977, and the Agreement on Reciprocal Exemption for all Types of Visas between the two countries was signed in 1984, so our citizens can freely travel to this beautiful tropical country with stunning beaches.

The arrival of Seychelles to Serbia in 2027, for the first Specialized Expo in the Western Balkans, is another confirmation of these friendly relations.

“We are extremely happy and excited to have the opportunity to present the tropical spirit of the Seychelles and their rich island cultural heritage to the entire world, in the Serbian capital. Their arrival in Serbia again shows that Expo 2027 Belgrade will truly have a universal character and will be a unique gathering point for the world around music, sports, and play”, said Dušan Borovčanin, CEO of Expo 2027 d.o.o. Belgrade. Expo 2027 Belgrade will take place from 15 May to 15 August 2027, with the participation of at least 120 countries and international organizations, and it is expected that the Serbian capital will attract more than four million visitors during the 93-day event.