Martinique Culture Poster
Elsa Haun
Gommiers
If you go to Martinique, you have to see the traditional fishing boats that are also used for racing, called yoles rondes or gommiers. People come from all over the world to watch the "nautical ballet" of these unique, brightly painted boats.
Créole
In Martinique, people speak French and Créole, a mixture of French and African languages with some Spanish, English, and Portuguese words. Here are some responses in Créole:
Oui/Non Ouai/ Han-Han
Chouette! I bon!
D'accord. D'acco.
C'est une bonne idée. Ce'an bon bagaï
Je ne peux pas. Mwen pé pa.
ça ne me dit rien. Sa pa ka di mwen ayen.
Pas question! Awa!
Martinique Carnival Celebrations
Carnival
Carnival (Carnaval) is a tradition in French-speaking countries, during the week before lent (la careme) and ending on Mardi Gras. In Martinique, the celebration lasts until Ash Wednesday. They celebrate with parades, music, dancing, feasting, and colorful costumes. Other places famous for Carnival celebrations are Nice, France, Quebec City, Canada, and New Orleans, Louisiana.
Music and Dance
Music and dance are important to culture in Martinique. They say tout finit par une chanson. The music comes from the African American slave tradition when they would work in the sugar cane fields. The rhythms are still around today- the biguine, the mazurka, and the zouk.