 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Info
Regions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Country Guide > Caribbean > Martinique | |
|
Social Profile Food & Drink The island’s cuisine is characterised by French and Caribbean influences and often features seafood, including lobster, red snapper, conch and sea urchin. Island specialities include stuffed crab, stewed conch, roast wild goat, jugged rabbit and broiled local dove. Colombo is a dish of goat, chicken, pork or lamb in a thick curry sauce. Creole cuisine is also widely available and is an original combination of French, Indian and African traditions seasoned with exotic spices. Meals are ended with tropical fruit. There is a great supply of French wines, champagne, liqueurs and local rum. Local specialities are ’ti punch, a brew of rum, lime juice, bitters and syrup; shrub, a Christmas liqueur consisting of rum and orange peel; and planteur, made from rum and fruit juice. Guava, soursop, passionfruit, mandarin and sugar-cane juice are all common. There are no licensing restrictions. Nightlife There are plenty of restaurants, bars and discos, a few casinos, and some displays of local dancing and music. The Ballet Martiniquais is one of the world’s most prestigious traditional ballet companies. Limbo dancers and steel bands often perform at hotels in the evenings. The local music, zouk, lively, two-beat music similar to merengue but unique to the French West Indies, can be heard everywhere. Martinicans are very proud of it. The local guide, Choubouloute, contains information on local entertainment and is sold at newsagents. Shopping French imports are worthwhile purchases, especially wines, liqueurs and Lalique crystal. Local items include rum, straw goods, bamboo hats, voodoo dolls, baskets and objects of aromatic vetiver roots. A discount of 20 per cent is given if payment is made by travellers cheques in some tourist shops. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1300 and 1500-1800, Sat 0900-1300. Special Events Every village celebrates its Saint’s Days - there is generally one a month throughout Martinique. For a complete list and location details, contact the Martinique Tourist Office or Promotion Bureau (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring in Martinique in 2005: Feb 5-9 Carnival. Mar 12-13 The 'Rivière-Pilote' Agricultural Trade-Fair. Jul 31-Aug 8 21st Tour of Martinique in Skiffs. Social Conventions The atmosphere is generally relaxed and informal. Casual dress is acceptable everywhere, but formal attire is needed for dining out and nightclubs. Tipping: 10 per cent is acceptable. |