FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On Tuesday, May 22, 2018, Martinique commemorates the 170th anniversary of the abolition of slavery which took place May 22, 1848. The people of Martinique valiantly fought to regain their freedom and put an end to the appalling practice of slavery. Come and celebrate in Saint-Pierre through May 27, 2018.
Saint-Pierre was formerly known as the Little Paris of the Caribbean before the eruption of Mount Pelée volcano in 1902. Cultural events, guided tours, sports activities will be the highpoints of this commemoration in Saint-Pierre, now known as the little Pompeii of the Caribbean.
Slave Memorial
The Slave Memorial at Anse Cafard is an absolute must see for any visitor to the island. Created by the artist Laurent Valère in 1998 in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the emancipation of slaves in the French West Indies, this open air memorial gathers twenty white colossal statues arranged in a triangle in reference to the triangular trade. Facing Diamond Rock Beach, they are also standing at an angle of 110º directly in line with the Gulf of Guinea to commemorate the slave ship that sank there in 1830. With its gentle ocean breezes and the magnificent Diamond Rock, this memorial is one of the most impressive and moving sites to visit in the Caribbean.
For more, read this Uncommon Caribbean story.
Slaves Savannah
Another must see for culture and history enthusiasts is the Slaves Savannah in Trois-Ilets. This five acre replica of a maroon village offers a fascinating insight into the life of fugitive slaves, also called “Neg Marron” (maroons). This Antan Lontan Village created by Gilbert Larose, which is one of the most visited sites in Martinique features 15 traditional huts, 18 bilingual signs and a traditional medicine garden. With a self or guided tour, La Savane des Esclaves or Slaves Savannah is a fascinating and poignant open air tribute to the past.