Martinique: Events

What is happening in Martinique:

The island of Martinique is a blend of French and Caribbean, which is a distinctively unique mark. It has the French flair and atmosphere mixed with the zouk music, which has the African touch. There are a number of festive events including Carnival and Calypso.

January

• New Year's Day - January 1

February

• Carnival

Carnival occurs five days before Ash Wednesday begins and therefore is celebrated in either late February or early March. These five days of festivities are filled with rum drinking, music, costumes and dancing. The majority of the revelry is held around La Savane in Fort-de-France, the capital.

March

• Easter Holidays - Good Friday, Easter Monday (late March or early April)

April

• Ascension Thursday - Fortieth Day after Easter (occurs late April or early May)

May

• Labour Day - May 1
• Mont Pelee eruption - May 8
• Pentecost Monday (8th Monday after Easter)
• Slavery Abolition Day - May 22

There is a commemoration on the eighth May, which is celebrated for the volcanic eruption of Mont Pelee. This is commemorated with live jazz bands and a candlelight procession from the cathedral.

July

• Tour de la Martinique (week long bicycle)

• Tour de la Martinique (week long bicycle)
• Bastille Day - July 14 - Public Holiday
• Schoelcher Day - July 21

There is a week-long bicycle race, which is held in mid-July, and the race is conducted for one full week.

August

• Tour des Yoles Rondes
• Assumption Day - August 15

The tour des Yoles Rondes is also a week-long race, which is held in early August.

November

• All Saints Day - November 1
• Armistice Day - November 11
• Semi-marathon race

December

• Martinique Jazz Festival
• Guitar Festival
• Christmas Day - December 25

Music lovers can enjoy the biennial week-long Martinique Jazz Festival, which is held in December on the odd-numbered years, while the Guitar festival is held on even-numbered years. Thus there is always a music festival there every year.