The Martinique Carnival — 2026 Season

In Martinique, the Carnival does not happen all of a sudden. It settles gently, almost silently at first, and then takes up all the space. As of January, the costumes are coming out of the closets, the groups are getting ready, and the island is gradually going into Carnival mode... until the explosion of fat days.

The Martinican Carnival is experienced less every weekend, but much more intensely during the highlights. And above all, everyone participates.

A carnival that tells the story of Martinique

The Martinique Carnival is deeply linked to the history of the island. As for Guadeloupe, it took up European codes, but very quickly, the populations who were slaves and then freed took hold of it to make it an area of freedom, satire and popular expression.

Masking yourself, caricaturating, exaggerating, reversing roles: Carnival becomes a time when you can say everything differently. That spirit is still alive and well today.

Every year, Vaval, the king of Carnival, embodies a theme related to current events or society. We talk about it, we comment on it, we have fun... until its cremation, on Ash Wednesday, which marks the end of the festivities and the start of Lent.

The essential characters of Carnival

What is immediately striking when you experience the Martinican Carnival are its emblematic figures.

Nèg Gwo Siwo

Impossible to pass by the Nèg Gwo Siwo, covered in dark molasses (black cane residue juice). Its presence is strong, sometimes disturbing, always symbolic. It recalls the memory of slavery and the spirit of transgression of the Carnival.

The Red Devils

The Red Devils, with their horns and flamboyant costumes, embody excess and provocation. They challenge, challenge and energize parades.

The Marianas and satirical characters

They often embody a current event or topic. Their costumes are deliberately cartoonish and humorous.

Popular costumes

Crossdressings, homemade costumes, imaginary characters... The audience is an integral part of the show. During rainy days, almost everyone dresses up in costume.

Groups, parades and atmosphere

In Martinique, carnival groups rely heavily on staging.

The parades are built around themes, elaborate costumes and collective choreography. The music is of course omnipresent, carried by percussion, brass and singing.

The atmosphere is different from the Guadeloupian crowds. Here, the Carnival is more concentrated, more narrative, with a gradual increase in power until the holidays.

Martinique 2026 Carnival Program

▷ Saturday 10 January

• Inauguration evening of the Carnival — Fort-de-France

• Presentation of Vaval and musical entertainment

▷ Weekend of 17—18 January — Carnival of the neighborhoods

▷ Weekend of 24—25 January — Day of schools and young groups

▷ Weekend of January 31 — Family carnival with the big family parade on Sunday

▷ Weekend of February 7—8 — Arts and traditions with a thematic parade in Fort de France on Sunday

▷Weekend of February 14—15 — Preparing for the Fat Days

Les Jours Gras: a highlight of the Martinican carnival

Carnival takes place throughout the months of January and February, but the intensity clearly increases as the rainy days approach.

Dimanche Gras: February 15, 2026

It is one of the most anticipated moments. The big parades take over the streets, with floats, costumed bands and continuous music. Families, groups of friends, and visitors mingle in a happy and colorful atmosphere.

Lundi Gras: February 16, 2026

Traditionally dedicated to humorous costumes and burlesque weddings. The parades feature absurd situations and caricatured characters.

Mardi Gras: February 17, 2026

Highlight of the Carnival. Everyone dresses up in red and black (or blue and black depending on the municipality). The streets are packed, the groups are parading without interruption and the atmosphere is at its peak.

Ash Wednesday: February 18, 2026

The tone is changing. Black and white dominate the outfits. Vaval's cremation symbolizes the end of Carnival and the start of Lent. A moment that is both festive and solemn.

After the Carnival, it's time for contrast

Once the festivities are over, Martinique regains a more peaceful atmosphere.

Mid-Lent, celebrated a few weeks later (on March 12, 2026), offers a more discreet festive break.

It's also a perfect time to slow down, Explore the north of the island, enjoy tropical gardens, historic sites and areas dedicated to biodiversity. After the hustle and bustle of Carnival, this contrast is often much appreciated.