Martinique Info and Events
Advise clients that the best place to start when deciding what to do on Martinique when they’re on island is the Martinique Tourist Office CMT (Comite Martiniquais du Tourisme, in Schoelcher at Immeuble Beaupré Pointe de Jaham 97233 Schoelcher (596-596-61-61-77), which is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Another place to get a wealth of information is the Tourist Office Information Desk at the airport. Open daily until the last flight comes in, the staff hands out complimentary maps, magazines and information booklets (all in English), as well as insider suggestions about what to do and see.
Festivals and Events
Festivals and cultural events take place all year long and range from music fests to foodie feasts. The Carnival Contest, for example, takes place in January, and towns compete for the best floats and costumes. Then, of course, there is Carnival in mid-February. Here are some others to note.
A foodie’s paradise, Martinique has these food fests, among others: crab festivals (March and April); Gastronomic Week (May); Fête des Boulangers Patissiers (Pastry and Baking Chefs’ Celebration) (June); Trempage (traditional Creole breakfast dish competition) (July); Rum Festival (December).
History buffs will be interested in the island’s Slavery Abolition Commemoration and Nan'nan Neg Marron de Saint-Joseph, which honors a freedom fighter; both are in May.
For a full calendar of events, go to www.martinique.org/activities/calendar.htm.