When is Abolition of Slavery Day in Seychelles?
Abolition of Slavery Day is a public holiday in the Seychelles, observed on February 1st. If February 1st falls on a Sunday, then February 2nd will be observed as a public holiday.
In late 2025, the Cabinet declared February 1st a national public holiday, officially designated as Abolition of Slavery Day, to commemorate the abolition of slavery in Seychelles. The decision was taken during its sitting on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025.
The holiday aims to educate citizens about the legacy of slavery and its influence on Seychelles' nationhood.
History of Abolition of Slavery Day in Seychelles
Slavery had been abolished in the British Empire in August 1834, though it was several months before Seychelles followed suit on February 1st 1835, when it became one of the last British colonies to abolish slavery.
Slavery in Seychelles was abolished as part of British anti-slavery legislation, which freed 6,521 enslaved individuals from a population of about 7,500. This marked a significant change in the social and economic landscape of the islands, transitioning from forced labor to a paid labour system.
