On Tuesday evening, July 9, 2024, the “Nocturnes” of the Fort-de-France Cultural Festival kicked off, marking a new phase in this 53rd edition, which has been in full swing since July 1. Since July 1, the capital of Martinique has been buzzing with the energy of this iconic event, but the start of the “Nocturnes” marks a major turning point, offering festivalgoers an immersive experience in local and international culture.
A Successful First Evening
The first Nuit Magique, titled «Avant Nuit,» took place in the magnificent gardens of Parc Aimé-Césaire. The event kicked off with a screening of *UMOJA, the Village Without Men*, a poignant documentary directed by Sina Hutt. The audience discovered the fascinating story of a unique village in northern Kenya, founded by women who had survived violence.
The atmosphere was both warm and emotional when the director spoke after the film. :
«These women aren’t just fighting against their own cultural norms that mistreat other women—they’re also up against a village with its own rules. In the village of Umoja, they’ve decided that background doesn’t matter. Whether you’re Toukana or Sambou, you can go there, live there, and stay there. They’ve provided so many homes for women who were simply lost… I think these women are the bravest I’ve ever met.» – Sina Hutt
A highlight of the evening: Matieu White in concert!
Another highlight of this first "Magical Night" was the concert by the artist Matieu White, A native of Guadeloupe, he captivated the audience. The artist and his live band got the crowd fired up with songs from his latest album, *Siwo*, released in 2024. He shared his excitement about participating in this festival:
«It’s already different. And I come from a family with a rich cultural heritage. In Guadeloupe, it’s called Kamodjaka. I was raised in that tradition. So when my booking agent told me it was the 53rd Fort-de-France Cultural Festival, I said yes right away. It aligns with my artistic vision.» – Matieu White
A Rich Program Lineup
Faced with unexpected weather conditions—including the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl—SERMAC, the festival’s organizer, was able to adapt. The literary gatherings, originally planned to take place outdoors, were held under the Grand Carbet. Michèle Mondesir, the festival’s communications director, emphasized the importance of these adjustments:
«This year, the seashore has been completely devastated and our venue has been destroyed. We’ll be at the Grand Carbet instead. These recent events haven’t changed the dates—just the venue. We’ll wrap up with Rudy Rabathaly, a journalist who will be presenting his book. And then there will be a performance featuring traditional dance by Laribotaj.»
The Fort-de-France Cultural Festival is in full swing, offering an explosive mix of the arts throughout the month. Dance, visual arts, theater, music, literature—the city becomes a giant stage where every day brings its own share of surprises.
Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy performances by the dance troupe "Murmurations" by Sadeck Berrabah on July 12 and 13, as well as the performance of the Lizt Alfonso Co., Habana Fenix, mid-July. The festival will wrap up in style with the Jazz Night on July 27, featuring artists such as Cannelle Mona Charles, GMX, Yellowjackets, and Paquito D’Rivera.
