Submitted by Lisa Pham on the 2016 winter session program in Martinique sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
It was 9:00 pm. Our flight back to the United States left at 7:30 am, and we had to be at the university to leave for the airport at 4:45 am. So naturally, our host mom decided to take us to a “Peter Pan Soiree” to kick off our last night in Martinique. I could not have imagined a better send-off.
For the weeks following up to this one, we had the privilege of attending what we would consider Carnival “pre-shows”, like parades that were really just rehearsals for the real parades that start on February 6th.
It is a five-day celebration, each day with a theme, that boasts grand costumes, lively parades, joyous parties, and people, all dancing, singing, and drinking in the streets. Unfortunately, our small study abroad group had to leave before the festivities commenced, but it was worth tasting just a bit of the action while we were there.
Our last night was spent at what I considered a “pre-game” for the real soirees that would take place later that week and the next week. There were people dressed in wild costumes, some centered on the Peter Pan theme and some not, there was music, drums, and crowds, all in a good mood. There was a drag queen carrying a large baguette and shouting, “This is the magic baguette. Touch it for good luck tonight.”
The same person ran around the dance floor, yelling through the pulsating music, and photobombing selfies.
I may not have been lucky enough to experience Carnival or “Carnaval” in all its splendor, but with the help of the magic baguette, one amazing host mom, and a party to top all parties, I was able to see the spirit that sustains the festival and the people of Martinique through that whole 5-day celebration.