There are so many festivals and events in Martinique
kicking off all year round that no matter when you choose
to visit you’ll find many fun things
to do. From the northern edges of the island to the
southern tip dotted with beaches
and resorts and everywhere in
between, Martinique events emanate a Caribbean
flavor spiced with Creole and French influences, offering
a unique vibe and island feel. Many Martinique festivals
pay tribute to the island’s diverse past and history,
hosting parties and gatherings that draw thousands from
all over the island and the world.
Carnival is one of the most popular and revered Martinique
festivals on the island, as well as a favorite celebrated
around the globe in colorful cities like New
Orleans, Rio
de Janeiro, and Trinidad. Celebrating with passion
and fervor, the people of Martinique show off their ability
to throw an incredible party every year in the first week
of February. The best place to celebrate is Fort
de France, where for weeks leading up to the event
costumes, floats, and other decorations are seen being
made throughout the city. In Martinique events like this
one, music is an integral part of the festivities. Beguine
and Calypso can be heard reverberating from avenues and
buildings throughout the island. From Fat Sunday through
Ash Wednesday Martinique, hotels are booked solid so make
sure to arrange accommodation well ahead of time.
Other events in Martinique include sailing events like the famous Tour de Yoles Rondes. Ranking high up on the list of things to do in Martinique, this sailing event is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. The yawls, sailing crafts resembling wooden canoes, participate in the exciting regatta that includes seven stops around the island. As the sailors near each stop, thundering shouts and applause of support and encouragement are heard from the communities along the way. The colorful sails are a fantastic sight to see as the yawls race for the finish line. While the teams sail for the title, spectators cook up delicious Creole dishes and barbeque all kinds of sumptuous fare with plenty of music and revelry to soak in. The free event takes place each year in August.
The International Guitar Festival is another of the
impressive events in Martinique occuring every other year
in Fort de France. Aside from being a great city for shopping
and dining any time of year,
heading to Fort de France in December for the festival
is another big draw for visitors. Talented, professional
musicians arrive from many different countries. For those
who love music, this is a must-see event. Combining relaxed,
Caribbean rhythm with French style, the beats and sounds
are unique and mesmerizing. The added bonus of attending
Martinique events in Fort de France is the close proximity
to many other attractions like St
Pierre and some of the best beaches on the west coast
such as like Pointe de Bout.
The Martinique Jazz festival is another hit with both
locals and visitors alike, and spans almost two weeks
with performances all around the island. The Martinique
Jazz Festival hosts free open-air Martinique events and
concerts all planned and funded by the Centre Martiniquaise
d’Action Culturelle. Each year in November the Martinique
Jazz festival hosts musicians from around the world with
many of the major events happening in the larger cities
like Fort de France. Legendary jazz musicians, and famous
Caribbean jazz professionals play in many memorable symposia
and concerts. Coming from countries like Cuba,
Puerto
Rico, Guadeloupe,
St Lucia, and Brazil,
the Martinique Jazz Festival exudes a truly international
flavor with the welcoming atmosphere of the islands. It’s
one of the best Martinique festivals to attend where the
island culture, cuisine, and heritage are proudly showcased.
Other exciting events in Martinique include vibrant
cultural festivals, food festivals, art exhibits, concerts,
and theater performances. Le Maide Saint-Pierre honors
those killed in the Mount Pelee
eruption of 1902 while each town, village, and city throughout
the island celebrates its Patron Saint's Day with music,
food, games, and other vivacious activities. The added
bonus of the Caribbean island of Martinique is that all
of France’s
celebrations are held each year as well. Bastille Day,
Beaujolais celebrations, and more illustrate the French
side of island's culture beautifully.
