Martinique Easter holidays

Easter traditions in Martinique

You know it's coming up to easter in Martinique when crab hunting season begins and the long tradition of crab preparation for Easter commences. Firstly, zatraps (handmade wooden traps) are laid to catch crabs. Once the crabs are caught, they are fed sugar cane, coconut and melon to flavour them until it's time to be cooked.

Crab is a big part of Easter in Martinique, from crab curry making contests to crab races. Locals say 'crab is king' at this time of year. Although crab isn't the only seafood on the menu, fish fritters are enjoyed as a side dish. Families traditionally attend mass on Good Friday and then go on to pilgrimage to stations of the cross around the island. All while singing and praying. On Easter Monday everyone hits the beaches to picnic and celebrate with their families.

Best places to celebrate Easter in Martinique

Sainte-Marie is one of the best towns to stay in during Easter as it puts you right in the middle of the crab racing and crab cooking action. The lovely boutique hotels in Sainte-Marie are ideal for couples.

Le Vauclin is a wonderful town to get into the Martinican Easter spirit. There is a variety of seafood stalls selling fresh local fish and traditional Easter accras (fish fritters). Best of all though, this town hosts a crab festival on the Saturday before Easter. Enjoy entertainment, fresh crab for sale, and real down-home Martinican cooked crab for your tasting pleasure.

Best hotels to celebrate Easter in Martinique

One of the prime hotels to stay in if you want to immerse yourself in Martinican easter tradition is Karibea Domaine De Sainte Marie. The town of Sainte Marie host the main crab cooking contests and races on the island. You’ll get to try Martinican top nosh without having to stray far from your hotel. 

For a more family-friendly hotel, Club Med Les Boucaniers in Sainte Anne is your perfect choice. They have an awesome selection of activities to keep kids happy such as tennis, football, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling and more. The all inclusive package gives you a great chance to relax with a high standard of accommodation, prime beachfront location and gourmet dining. Another ideal hotel for families is Pierre et Vacances Resort Sainte-Luce.