Easter in Martinique is one of the most popular holidays after Christmas and Carnival. It is such an important event that it spans over several days, even months, of preparation. Therefore, you will experience multiple Easter celebrations in Martinique, thanks to our traditions! This very popular holiday has a unique character due to its culinary richness and diverse heritage.
Where do the Easter traditions in Martinique come from?
First, we need to make a distinction between Passover and Easter.
Passover is the Jewish holiday (Pessah) that celebrates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. It symbolizes the transition from slavery to freedom, as they "passed over" when God liberated them from slavery.
However, the traditions we have inherited come from the deeply rooted Catholic faith and Martinican customs. Easter is a moment of celebration to commemorate the death and resurrection of Christ.
Derived from the desire to blend Christian traditions with pagan customs, Easter is also celebrated by non-believers due to the change of seasons. But in Martinique, the primary reason for celebrating Easter remains the Catholic tradition. Non-believers still participate because more than a religious holiday, its traditions are resilient and deeply rooted in the culture.
Easter Meal in Martinique
When you mention Easter to someone from Martinique, they will instinctively associate this event with crabs. There is no Easter celebration without its main dish: "matoutou de crabes." The Easter period and the forty days of Lent leading up to it are a suitable time for consuming accras.
To discover more about Martinican culinary practices, we recommend our selection of typical dishes from Martinique.
Why Do We Eat Crabs at Easter?
This colorful, fragrant, rich, and delicious dish has strong historical and cultural roots.
Eating crabs at Easter dates back to the period of slavery: as slaves were prohibited from consuming meat, they had to adapt by consuming land crabs.
This crab is scientifically known as Cardisoma guanhumi. Preparing it involves a ritual and a very technical knowledge. This technique dates back to pre-Columbian times, long before slavery: when the Caribs inhabited the island, their main source of food came from marine fishing, but also from what the land could offer, such as these crabs. The colonizers, on the other hand, were not convinced by this food, which they saw as lowly and ordinary. The slaves had to abstain from meat to observe the time of Lent, a requirement of the Catholic religion imposed on them. Only fish and the famous crabs were allowed. But over time, the crab has become a sophisticated dish that brings joy to Easter in Martinique.
Matoutou de Crab Recipe
To prepare a delicious matoutou de crab, you need to follow various steps. The preparation begins long before the big day.
You have to catch the crabs and feed them to obtain fresh meat to eat.
Furthermore, killing and cleaning the crabs requires a specific technique, mastered only by the most experienced. You need to insert a knife between their eyes and clean them thoroughly. The crab contains fat that is important to collect, as it will enrich the recipe for more flavor and a better texture.
Next is the preparation of the creamy and flavorful sauce, which includes spices and vegetables. This is what makes the crab tasty and flavors the rice that accompanies the dish.
Matoutou is a popular Easter dish in Martinique and is often revisited. However, purists remain attached to the basic recipe, which is as follows:
- Cleaned crabs washed with lemon or lime juice
- The fat extracted from under the crabs' shells
- Onion
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Green onions (scallions)
- Bay leaves
- Colombo paste or powder
- Chili pepper (hot or vegetarian)
- Parsley
The quantities depend on the number of crabs you have and your personal taste.
What to Do at Easter in Martinique?
The customs and activities surrounding Easter begin long before the big day.
To prepare for your Easter holidays, know that they will take place from Monday, April 3, to Sunday, April 16, 2023, in Martinique, allowing you to enjoy the joys of Easter for 2 weeks. Holy Week begins on Good Friday, the day of Christ's passion. On this day, believers participate in the Stations of the Cross and mainly consume accras, which are typically made with codfish, shrimp, or vegetables. Holy Saturday, or "samedi gloria" in Creole, is the second important day, the day of the Easter Mass to announce Christ's resurrection on Sunday. For Easter in Martinique, Holy Saturday has strong symbolism as it marked the return of the sounds of the drum.
Crab Hunting
Firstly, you need to go crab hunting in Martinique 1 or 2 months before Easter to gather a stock of crabs to raise and feed. These coveted treasures of crabs can be found in mangroves. Some examples include the mangroves of Sainte-Luce, Le François, Le Vauclin, or Les Trois-Îlets, where you can also visit La Maison de la Mangrove. The crabs need to be fed fruits and vegetables to prepare their meat.
Crab hunting is regulated, and you must catch crabs that are at least 7 centimeters in size and outside of Natural Reserves.
Religious Activities at Easter
Secondly, prepare your heart to welcome the good news of Christ's resurrection. Most importantly, fast by choosing to favor "lean meats" such as fish, traditionally consumed throughout the Lenten period. The Stations of the Cross is a tradition that recalls Jesus and His journey to His sacrifice on the cross. The Stations of the Cross are usually long and challenging routes, but when held outdoors, they allow you to observe Martinique's nature and landscapes.
The Easter Mass is the solemn celebration of Jesus' resurrection. To attend this event, we provide you with the program of Masses in parishes in the north, south, and central parts of the island. Our beautiful churches and parishes will welcome you to celebrate this event.
Sunday, April 9, 2023
- 07:00 AM – Easter Mass – Cathedral Saint Louis – Fort-de-France
- 09:00 AM – Easter Mass – Cathedral Notre Dame de l'Assomption – Saint-Pierre
- 10:00 AM – Easter Mass – Chapel Anse Mitan – Les Trois-Îlets
- 09:30 AM – Easter Mass – Basilica Montmartre – Balata
To participate in Easter religious activities such as Masses and Stations of the Cross, consult the Diocese of Martinique's website.
Beaches
The Easter holidays and Easter in Martinique are an ideal time to enjoy the beaches. There is no hotter period in the year. Besides being a significant religious time, Lent also refers to the dry season that sets in Martinique.
We offer you a top 5 of Martinique's beaches:
- Anse Figuier Beach
- Grande Anse d'Arlet Beach
- La Baignoire de Joséphine
- Anse Mitan Beach
- Anse Turin Beach
Rivers
Another excellent way to cool off is to head to the rivers. Swimming in a river is more effective than in the sea for beating the heat. You can also enjoy magnificent waterfalls like the Saut du Gendarme waterfall in Fonds-Saint-Denis.
Easter Camping
This Easter holiday period in Martinique is marked by the appearance of campers at well-known camping spots. Thus, you can find many campers with their equipment along the beaches in the South, enjoying the scenery with all the comforts. There are no dedicated camping facilities like in France. However, the municipal camping site of Pointe Marin or Anse à Prune in the commune of Sainte-Anne can accommodate you.
