Martinique Carnival 2023

11:00am 16 Feb - 12:00am 22 Feb, 2023

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Plan for Martinique Carnival 2023

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Fort De France, Martinique

Martinique Carnival 2023: Traditional Carnival with European Flavor

Following the universal carnival traditions, Martinique Carnival puts a distinctly European twist on the classic celebration. For five days each year, the daily life of Martinique is suspended and the villages are filled with non-stop music, parties and more. Each village prepares new costumes, props and floats; which are unveiled at the carnival parade.

“During the carnival, the daily life of Martinique comes to a stand still and the island comes alive with Carnival Fever”

Martinique Carnival 2023 Schedule

Although the festivities take place over five days, preparations begin months in advance; with processions seen throughout the island every Sunday leading up to the carnival. 

Each day of the carnival has its own distinct theme. Saturday and Sunday allow everyone to dress as they please; while the remainder of the event has specific costume requirements. Monday is known as the day of ‘Burlesque Weddings’; where men dress as brides.

Tuesday is known as the day of the devil and everyone dresses in red and/or devil costumes. Ash Wednesday signifies the death of the devil; and is represented by wearing black and white to mourn death. 

Best views of  Martinique Carnival

Martinique Carnival takes place in the overseas French region of Martinique. There are festivities throughout the entire island; with each village represented with their own Queen of the carnival.

The Carnival Parade occupies the streets of Fort de France, the capital of Martinique. 

How to get around Martinique

The region of Martinique is located in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can fly into the main airport, Martinique Aime Cesaire International Airport. The airport operates flights from Europe, the Caribbean, Venezuela, the United States and Canada. Martinique can also be accessed by boat, with the regular ferry service travelling to Guadeloupe, Dominica, St. Lucia, Les Saintes and Marie Galante.

Upon arrival, the easiest way to get around is by car. There is an extensive road network available, with freeways passing through the city and surrounding areas. Martinique also has a railway line in operation. The train runs from the Rhum Museum to the Banana Museum; and passes through sugarcane and banana plantations and a number of bridges.

Where to stay in Martinique

A number of accommodation options are available in and around the main city of Fort de France. Many visitors opt to stay in the city center and there is a range of accommodation options from hostels to hotels and Airbnb available. You can find nearby accommodation options below.

Things to do in Martinique

There are many attractions and activities for visitors to explore during a visit to Martinique. One of the most popular attractions is Mount Pelée, a volcano and frequented hiking spot. Known for the famous 1902 eruption, the volcano features a number of hiking trails. Presquî’le de la Caravelle is also another popular nature reserve for hiking as well as swimming.

Popular beaches include Anse Dufour, Anse Mitan and Plage des Salines; featuring white sand and home to swimming, snorkelling, boating and more.

With 28-degree water year-round, Martinique is perfect for all your summer activities. One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the island is to rent a kayak. Diving, surfing and kitesurfing are also popular activities enjoyed in the Caribbean waters.

A range of unforgettable sea excursions is also available; including day cruises onboard catamarans. A number of historical locations such as the Château Dubuc castle, St. Louis Cathedral and Fort Saint Louis are also popular tourist attractions. 

Top Tips

Dress Up!It’s not a true carnival celebration unless you dress accordingly. Each day has its own theme so gather your garments and dress up in the colours of the carnival! 

Watch the musical performances – The most famous musical groups in Martinique spread out across the island during the carnival. With villages filled with music 24 hours a day, it’s impossible not to catch a traditional musical performance! 

Catch a parade – Every carnival has street parades and Martinique has plenty to choose from. We recommend the street parade in pajamas, it starts at 5 am and fills the streets with the shuffling sounds of ‘slippered’ feet. 

Martinique Carnival 2023 Dates

The next celebration of the Martinique Carnival will take place from February 16- 22, 2023.

Interested in other epic Carnivals happening in the Caribbean? Read more about the Trinidad Carnival and the Antigua Carnival

Photo Credits: Martinique Magnifique

Caribbean Travel Tips:

Plan ahead: Book your perfect trip with our Caribbean travel guide and destination information. Does Caribbean require a visa? Check the visa requirements before you get caught up during your travel.

Spend money wisely: Take public transport and dine in from time to time are common saving tips during traveling. How to spend money wisely in Caribbean? Make use of technology. There’s an app for everything.

Accommodation near Martinique Carnival 2023

Rad Season is providing you with rentals and hotels at the lowest prices available online. Book your stay for Martinique Carnival 2023 using the map below!

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