Martinique: Virtual Program

A local university professor gives us an overview of Martinique history and cultural insights from 1498 to present-day. The discussion sets the stage for the sessions to come, including the island’s precolonial and colonial histories, the consequences of the abolition of slavery, and social structures in contemporary Martinique. We also explore cultural elements including religion, traditions, ceremonies and rituals, clothing, art and culture, dances, music, and the Creole language.

Virtual tours of La Maison de la Canne (The Sugar Cane Museum) & Habitation Clément (a Former Sugar Cane Plantation) introduce us to this important local crop. Learn about the economic, social, and colonial history of sugar cane and its sister product, rum. Examine the role that slavery played in pushing Martinique into the global economic sphere.

Explore a reconstructed village that portrays daily life for slaves during slavery and then after abolition. Witness the details of daily life and the heritage of former slaves. Learn the historical timeline of slavery in Martinique and how it compared in the surrounding Caribbean islands.

Participate in a virtual cooking class and learn how to make a Martiniquan dish from your own home. A local cook guides us in a live video call. While cooking, we get to know the African, French, Caribbean and South Asian traditions that make up the foods, drinks, plants, vegetables, and fruits of Martinique’s cuisine.

Learn about the 1902 eruption of Mont Pélée volcano and observe ruins in the former capital, St. Pierre. Hear how the eruption occurred, the impact that the destruction had on Martinique’s society and economy, and the resulting shift of the capital city to Fort-de-France.

Take a virtual walking tour through downtown Fort-de-France. Learn about the capital city and its landmarks, such as the French forts, Centre des Arts et Métiers, Bibliothèque Schoelcher, Cathédrale Saint Louis, and Espace Musée Aimé Césaire.