MARTINIQUE: THE TEN RULES OF CARNIVAL

 Carnival Calendar

• Sunday: Presentation of Vaval, the king of carnival and the Carnival Queens
• Monday: Burlesque Wedding (Lundi Gras)
• Tuesday: Mardi Gras Red Devils everywhere
• Wednesday: The final day Burning of Vaval (Ash Wednesday)

To learn everything about this event, click the link here.

@Proud To Be West Indian

Carnival Is Coming!

February is carnival season, one of the most important moments in Martinique’s cultural calendar.

A one-of-a-kind event:
Five days of popular jubilation filled with powerful rhythms, cheeky songs, and wildly creative, colorful costumes all under the watchful eye of Vaval, the King of Carnival.

And let me tell you one thing: Martinique’s Carnival is INTENSE.
If you want to experience it properly, you’ll need some serious preparation.

So here are the 10 rules to survive and enjoy Carnival in Martinique.

I Thou Shalt Become an Actor

Unlike many carnivals around the world, Martinique’s Carnival is a gigantic open-air theatre.

It’s a living caricature of our society.

Every day comes with a new costume and a new role to play:
a sexy nurse, a politician, a bride for Lundi Gras, or traditional characters like Caroline zyé kokli, the woman carrying her drunk husband on her back.

Whatever role you choose… you’d better bring your acting skills.

II Thou Shalt Do (Some Serious) Cardio

No Martinique Carnival without the VIDÉ.

So… what is a vidé?

It’s a massive street gathering where everyone follows the walking music bands through the streets — dancing, jumping, bending, stopping, and most importantly… running.
Yes, we « run the vidé. »

Weak legs don’t survive the vidé.
Forget flip-flops. As a beginner, running shoes are mandatory.

@onair

III Thou Shalt Honor Mothers

Carnival songs often talk about… mothers.
And honestly, it’s a good thing you don’t understand Creole, because trust me… they don’t hold back.

IV Thou Shalt Mock Society

@Rene Charles Benny Suvelor

Carnival is the ultimate stress release.

Everything that annoyed you during the year becomes material:
politicians, wars, inflation, public figures, and everyday people.

There’s also a strong tradition of turning recent news stories into songs.
So here’s a tip: don’t do anything stupid between December and February, unless you want to become the star of the vidé.

But Carnival is also a space for political expression: anyone can make a sign and denounce social issues.

@KARINE SAINT-LOUIS-AUGUSTIN – Marianne Lapo Fig calling for the release of the activist against the high cost of living in the French Caribbean, Rodrigue Petitot, known as “Le R.”

V If Thou Art a Man, Thou Shalt Become a Woman

@CC BY-NC Jacques BOUBY

Men clearly have a fascination with women and Carnival proves it.

During Carnival, men dress up as women.
And when we say men, we mean all men: straight, gay, husbands, dads, teachers, bosses, even your bank advisor.

The starter pack includes:

• a babydoll, sexy dress, or sometimes just underwear
• bold makeup
• wedge heels, a wig, and absolute confidence

Think RuPaul’s Drag Race meets Caribbean chaos.

VI Thou Shalt Have Stamina

Carnival is a four-day marathon.

• Friday: costume party
• Saturday: costume party
• Sunday: Dimanche Gras vidé (3 pm to 7 pm)
  → then straight home to get ready for… another party
• And it goes on until Ash Wednesday

It’s exhausting. There is no room for weakness.

VII Thou Shalt Not Eat Healthy

Carnival life is not healthy.

You barely sleep.
You live on street food.
Alcohol runs through your veins.
You forget your family… and sometimes your own identity.

The goal? Just survive.

VIII Thou Shalt Sleep Only If Thou Must

You thought you’d sleep after partying?
Absolutely not.

Have you ever heard of “vidé an pyjama”?

On Mardi Gras morning, around 5 a.m., people flood the streets in pyjamas, still drunk, dancing as the sun rises.

Exhausting. Magical. Unforgettable.

@SF @franceantilles

IX Thou Shalt Forget Thy Troubles

Carnival is about letting go.

You release stress, celebrate life, and connect with people.
The rhythm of the drums takes over.
You dance and sing with strangers like they’re lifelong friends.

You are simply… happy.

X Thou Shalt Keep Thursday as a Day of Rest

Nobody works the day after Ash Wednesday.

Your liver is exhausted.
Your feet hurt.
Your brain is barely functioning.

You have two choices:

• take a day (or a week) off
• or pretend you’re sick (which you actually are)

Detox becomes a necessity.

@hc