Dress code is red !

Let me tell you about our Carnival, here, in Martinique. It’s not as ‘glamorous’ as Brazil or Trinidad, but it’s a lot of fun with everyone parading in the streets, singing, dancing and howling !

Events start after January 1st with the election of the Queens of Carnival: mini Queen, older Queen, in every city and town. The main events take place during the last 4 days of Carnival, when almost everyone ‘take over’ the streets. Each day has a theme.

On Sunday, the dress code is totally free. Groups choose what they want to show off, but they are quite organized. What makes our Carnival different is the ‘vide’ (pronounce vee-day), a kind of jamboree. People wear extravagant, crazy and very daring outfits.

On Monday, it is funny weddings. In general, the man dresses up as a woman and vice versa. At times, there is a big fake cake, a sheep, a preacher and the congregation. It’s mind blowing!!!

Tuesday is Red Devil Day. That’s why everyone wears red, well, at least one piece of red garment. However, groups with a theme who paraded on Sunday can wear the same outfits on Tuesday.

Wednesday is the last day of Carnival, and the dress code is black and white. This is the day when Vaval is burnt, marking the end of the festivities. Vaval, the King of Carnival, is a huge puppet which represents a political figure or anyone they wish. This year, Vaval was representing non-violence. They burn Vaval near the Bay of Fort-de-France, one of the most beautiful bays in the world. People cry with fun while singing, because it is all over until the following year.

On the second picture, you can see the ‘Clay Men’, whose skin is covered in red clay. Those behind, in black, bedaubed in thick molasses...