Sa ou fè from Martinique

Club Med Buccaneer's Creek

This year the calendar offers a rare opportunity—the perfect chance to mix an evening of romance with endless days and nights of revelry at Carnival!

In 2010, Valentine’s Day arrives during the peak of Carnival season.   On Martinique, Cupid and King Carnival will share the island on February 14 as the intimate pleasures of an evening devoted to lovers combine with Dimanche Gras or Big Sunday, the official start of nonstop Carnival festivities that reach their joyous climax on Ash Wednesday, which falls on February 17 in 2010.

Big Sunday marks the beginning of daytime street parades with thousands of marchers in colorful costumes and the first public appearance of a giant effigy of King Carnival, known as Vaval.  Music and merriment will carry on deep into the night of course, but couples who are seeking a quiet spot where they might share Valentine sentiments will have no problem finding a secluded place for romance–

You can be sure that nowhere else on earth will be more prepared for this fortunate blend in the 2010 calendar than Martinique, where French passion meets the Caribbean party spirit.

"Lundi Gras"

The morning after Valentine’s Day, February 15, may be the perfect, hilarious sequel to a night of promises and sweet kisses.  By long tradition, the theme of Lundi Gras or Big Monday is comical, mock weddings.  Men dress as caricatures of women, while women get even by wearing costumes that poke fun at men.  Wherever you look, it may seem like Cupid and Vaval have teamed up to play a joke about marriage that has everyone on the island laughing.

"Mardi Gras"

But the fun is far from over because Tuesday, February 16, is Mardi Gras.  On Martinique, this is Red Devils Day with children putting on bright red costumes, often decorated with beads and shiny mirrors, to look like sparkling, mischievous demons.  You really may believe that Vaval, and the wild spirit of Carnival, have transformed the cute little cherub Cupid into a fun-loving prankster.

Ash Wednesday

With most Carnivals around the world, midnight on Shrove Tuesday will bring the long party to an end as Lent begins.  But Martinique always adds an extra day.  The slogan on Ash Wednesday is “Rejoice Today, Repent Tomorrow!”   While Carnival in New Orleans or Rio de Janeiro are over, the celebration in Martinique does not reach its peak until Ash Wednesday as the effigy of Vaval and his alter ego Bwa-Bwa are set aflame in a huge funeral pyre.  The blazing fire lights up the Ash Wednesday night as the crowd chants “Vaval, pas quitté nous,” which means “Carnival, don’t leave us” in English.

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MARTINIQUE CARNIVAL SPECIAL PACKAGE

The earthquake in Haiti is a disaster that is beyond belief.  At the present time, it is impossible to predict the staggering number of fatalities that have occurred from this terrible catastrophe.  In the days ahead, the plight of survivors will become more difficult as they struggle with their losses amid the devastation.

We urge everyone to provide assistance that may begin to relieve the awful suffering in Haiti.  In this hour of great need, money is the most important donation.  With your financial support, emergency responders in Haiti will be able to acquire medical supplies, food, clothing, sanitation services and shelter when and where they are most necessary.

Both UNICEF and the Red Cross have already established emergency relief funds.  In the United States, these funds are easily accessible 24 hours a day on the internet to accept donations—as well as provide information and updates about the situation in Haiti–at the following links:

www.RedCross.org
www.unicefusa.org

For Canada, please make donations and view more information at:

www.RedCross.ca
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Although financial donations are most critical, any and all support that you can give is welcomed and encouraged.  Please keep the people of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you.