|
During the
colonial
period, European and African brought in Martinique some aspects of
their traditions and culture. This gave birth to a new society and a
culture unique in its form : neither european nor african but
intimately creole.
The main
elements of our
traditions and culture are music and dances, handicraft, jewelry and
traditional costumes made of madras tissue or shiny fabrics.
European brought in Martinique their carnival
which was at the
begining reserved for the white settlers. African slaves were
authorized to celebrate on the plantation estate and after the
abolition of slavery in 1848, in the streets of Saint-Pierre.
Before
the eruption of the volcano in 1902, martinican carnival was strong
and rich in colors, dances, creativity, costumes and songs telling
the stories and history of Martinique and saint-Pierre.
After the
eruption of Mont-Pelé and the destruction of the cultural life
in Saint-Pierre, Fort-de-France tryed to work the
revival of
traditions but the first carnival of 1906 had nothing in common with
the sparkling carnival described by all the visitors who came in
Martinique before 1902. But years after years, it became stronger.
Nowadays, our carnival is one of the most
spontaneous of all the
caribbean and everyboby can take part in it.
During the weeks
before Shrove Tuesday, you can see exhibitions, parades and Queen
shows in the different parishes of the island and in Fort-de-France,
the Capital Martinique.
The 3 days before Ash Wednesday are the
hottest with parades in the streets, a theme for each day :
But
if you want to know more about our Carnival and History come and
visit us you will see how beautiful and amazing is our Island of
flowers.
|
|
