Feast of the Assumption on La Digue

What it is

The Feast of the Assumption is a Roman Catholic celebration held every year on 15 August. Tourism Seychelles calls it the most celebrated religious festival in the country, and it is particularly strong on La Digue, whose patron saint is the Virgin Mary. Locals call it Lafet La Digue.

The church

The island's Catholic church, Notre Dame de L'Assomption, was built in 1864 and was the first Catholic church on La Digue, according to Tourism Seychelles. The same source calls its annual feast on 15 August a major event on the island.

What happens

Tourism Seychelles describes the usual order:

• An open-air mass at La Grotto
• A procession carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary
• A ceremonial mass led by the Bishop of Seychelles, with a welcome in English and preaching in Creole
• Street festivities with Creole food stalls and live music by local artists

The programme often runs over several days. Past events have included climbing a greased pole, sports, duck races, pageants, beach parties, bike tours, dance competitions and a ferry race.

Planning a visit

It is the busiest time of year on La Digue. Many La Digue families living on other islands come home, and visitors arrive from other islands. Tourism Seychelles advises booking accommodation well in advance. It says Cat Cocos and the Inter Island Ferry usually add crossings between Praslin and La Digue on 14 and 15 August.

Other events on the islands

• Creole Festival: Kokosye says the Creole Festival, traditionally in October, brings a three-day celebration to L'Union Estate on La Digue, with a Creole bazaar, dance performances and games.
• Praslin Pragata 2026: a Tourism Board event listing announces three days of live entertainment, local food and cultural showcases at Baie Sainte Anne, Praslin, from 27 to 29 November 2026, with the programme still to be announced.