The year's major events in Martinique

Cap on Fort-de-France: the programming of Tropiques Atrium - Scène Nationale gets the city moving again (music, theater, dance, cinema). On the waterfront, visit Fort Saint-Louis: hot stone, view of the harbor, maritime history. Between two outings, stroll along La Savane and end with a Creole meal: simple, cheerful, urban. 

Beyond the big parades, get a taste of themed evenings: Vidé Pyjamain the early hours of Lundi gras, Burlesque Weddings in the afternoon, DJ sets and urban concerts on weekends. At night, the Bèt a Fé parade ignites the center of FdF: LEDs, drums, foot bands. Before heading out, take a trip to the marchés de carnaval for fabrics, sequins and make-up. At the same time, Une Semaine pour l'Eau offers mangrove walks, workshops and meetings: a natural interlude to see rivers, springs and coastline differently. 

North Atlantic,Mada Color Run colors Sainte-Marie and the Tombolo : Festive 5 km, high-pigment photos, full families. In FdF, the'Urban Show brings together dance, DJ, graffiti and performances at the stade Pierre-Aliker: pure energy and local creativity. Further south, the Foire agricole & artisanale de Rivière-Pilote highlights producers and know-how: taste, discuss, fill your basket before a picnic by the water.

The Easter weekend is lived outside: family campsites (authorized sites only), supervised swimming, big tables. A must: the matoutou of crabs. To get equipped and learn the right moves in the mangrove, head to the Foire aux Crabes du Vauclin.

To find out more about Easter in Martinique, discover this article. 

On May 22,the Commemoration of the Abolition of Slavery brings the island together: ceremonies, open stages. On the trails, the Tchimbé Raid thrills the forest and ridges (formats from short to ultra). In the North Caribbean, Mai de Saint-Pierre mixes heritage, exhibitions, guided tours and concerts at the foot of the Montagne Pelée. 

The Fête de la Musique gets Fort-de-France buzzing: ephemeral stages, brass bands, choirs, sound systems, small neighborhood concerts... We move from a lively alley to a terrace, then to the waterfront for a final set at the water's edge. The atmosphere is simple and warm, ideal for a city-break where you can enjoy a succession of exhibitions in the afternoon and live music in the evening.

At Anses-d'Arlet, Mercury Beachmarries beach-party Caribbean, DJ and flotilla of boats: swimming, music, smiles. On the road, the Martinique Rallye Tour crosses several communes (urban prologues, special stages, paddock atmosphere). In Sainte-Marie, the Fête de la Banane celebrates a local emblem (workshops, tastings, entertainment). Wellness & sorority with the Ladies Break Festival. Gourmet treat not to be missed: the Food Market - Le Robert transforms the Place des Cités Unies into astreet-food village (chefs, food-trucks, DJ, entertainment). Free entry, portions to share, conviviality guaranteed. Come early, carpool, enjoy.

The Baccha Festival unrolls concerts and artists  facing the sea. Foyal Color Red invades the center of FdF: walk/run, powders, DJ, festive village. The fête patronale de Sainte-Marie lines up parades and horse racing and mule racing along the Atlantic coast. Depending on the edition, Biguine Jazz and Creole jazz take to the open air. We dance late, we laugh a lot.

The Journées Européennes du Patrimoine unveil rarely accessible places: forts, mansions, military sites, rehabilitated industrial buildings. Book, follow a guide, collect architectural details: understand the island through its stones and its histories.

Mwa Kréyol puts the language and culture créoles at the center: workshops, dictations, concerts, meetings in libraries and on campuses.October Pink mobilizes the island around prevention (markets, events). At the end of the month, Toussaint : flowers, wakes, a time of meditation that speaks to the soul of Martinique. 

The Fort-de-France International Half-Marathontracks 21.1 km from dawn, fanfares and encouragement to boot. L'aventure féminine Raid des Alizés revives: nature, surpassing oneself, solidarity. TheChristmas markets appear, the first Chanté Nwèl warm up: the season of lights gets underway. 

Houses illuminated,Christmas markets, Chanté Nwèl until the 24th. Trail runners round off the year with the TransMartinique (great north-south crossing). And Fort-de-France Bay offers its long-awaited final: Boucans de la Baie, music and fiery skies over the water. Dates may vary. Before booking, check the official pages of the organizers (cities, venues, festivals). On busy weekends, plan ahead for accommodation and car rental. Close your eyes: a drum, a laugh, a scent of spices. In Martinique, great events can't be ticked off, they live. Choose your period, follow the music, get caught up in the atmosphere: the island will do the rest.