Live All Saints Day in November in Martinique

Celebrating All Saints' Day in Martinique

All Saints' Day is quite particular in Martinique. Unlike in metropolitan France, this celebration is not synonymous with gloom. The sadness of the lost ones gives way to a festive and joyful period.

Preparation for All Saints' Day

All Saints' Day in Martinique is prepared according to two rituals: the embellishment of the cemeteries (the marine cemetery of Saint-Anne is a must-see) and the preparation of the festivities.

Embellishment of the cemeteries

A few days before All Saints' Day, there is an unusual agitation in the cemeteries of Martinique. Renovations and cleaning, a lot of attention is paid to the graves.

Young people, also called "Djobeurs", wanting to earn some money offer their services to clean the graves. Arums, anthuriums, floral arrangements: flowers come to decorate the family vaults.

By the way : tourists will notice that the graves are particularly white. A real ode to light, white is deliberately used to signify the resurrection of the dead.

Preparation of the festivities

We are preparing to gather the whole family during these two very special days. It is an opportunity to gather parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins for a special moment filled with emotions.

November 1st in Martinique, the feast of all the saints

The 1st of November in Martinique always takes place in the same way around the commemoration and the recollection.

Beginning of the commemoration

Several masses are held on November 1st, including the one in the cathedral of Fort-de-France. Wishing each other "happy birthday", the faithful are dressed in white, symbol of "passage".

Recollection in the animated and illuminated cemeteries

At nightfall, the Martiniquais head for the cemetery, whose surroundings are full of street vendors. They take advantage of this festive atmosphere to offer traditional pistachios, snowballs (crushed ice sprinkled with syrup), coconut sorbets, or local drinks.

Making their way through the crowd, the locals go to the family graves. After cleaning the graves, they light red and white candles by the hundreds to honor the dead. Little by little the cemetery is illuminated by thousands of small flickering flames offering a flamboyant spectacle.

In the aisles, animated by discussions and laughter, the adults gather and gather. Children are having fun and running around in the aisles.

November 2 in Martinique, the commemoration of the deceased

November 2nd in Martinique is a day as important as November 1st where commemoration and reunion are required.

Beginning of the commemoration

The day after November 1st is reserved for commemoration. Martinicans return to the graves and participate in masses. Family gatherings will then take place.

Family reunion around a meal

Following the celebrations, memories of the deceased are recalled to bring them back to life. Often over punch or a hearty Creole meal, these memories are often happy and fun. People eat, play, dance to Creole music: the atmosphere of All Saints' Day is unique. Fortunately, the tradition of All Saints' Day is passed on and is not about to die out! Young people are also immersed in the festivities.

Going to Martinique during All Saints' Day

Choosing to go to Martinique during All Saints' Day is a very good idea. Indeed, there are not many tourists during this period and temperatures are around 30°C. You will be able to enjoy the island and its activities at reduced prices compared to the high season.

  Come and discover Martinique as you have never seen it before during All Saints' Day. To get around, come and discover our rental vehicles !