Petite Martinique
Southern Grenadine Islands
Petite Martinique is a small island of approximately 2.37 square kilometers located in the Southern Grenadines and is part of Grenada. It lies about 2.5 miles from the larger Carriacou Island and has a population of around 900 residents. The island is celebrated for its vibrant cultural heritage, including the annual Whitsuntide Regatta Festival featuring boat races and performances. Petite Martinique's landscape is characterized by its natural harbors and coral reefs, typical of the Grenadines archipelago. The island's community maintains traditional practices such as Village Maroons, which involve cooking traditional foods and performing the Big Drum Dance. Access to Petite Martinique is commonly achieved via ferry services connecting it to Carriacou and Grenada, with small boats frequently used for inter-island travel. The tropical climate offers warm temperatures year-round, with a distinct wet and dry season influenced by trade winds. Petite Martinique's cultural vibrancy and natural beauty make it a unique destination within the Caribbean's Lesser Antilles.
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Tip: The best time to visit Petite Martinique is during the Whitsuntide Regatta Festival, held annually on Whitsuntide weekend, to experience traditional boat races and local performances. Visitors are advised to arrange ferry transport in advance due to limited schedules. Exploring the island by small boat can also enhance the experience of its coastal scenery. While entry fees are generally not applicable, checking for local event schedules and possible community-led tours is recommended to enrich your visit.
Interesting facts
- •Petite Martinique hosts the annual Whitsuntide Regatta Festival, a notable event featuring traditional boat races and cultural performances.
- •The island’s population is approximately 900 people, making it a close-knit community.
- •Much of the land on Petite Martinique was historically owned by Judith Philip, a free black woman, during the turbulent colonial period.
- •Petite Martinique is part of the Southern Grenadines and is located just 2.5 miles from Carriacou Island.
History
Petite Martinique has a colonial history tied to French and British rule, being part of the French colony in 1762 and later under British control from 1763 with intermittent French occupation until 1783.
The island was included in the Grenada colony and has been a dependency of Grenada since 1974.
During the 18th century, much of the land on Petite Martinique was owned by Judith Philip, a free black woman, highlighting a unique aspect of its social history.
The island's governance has evolved with recent efforts to establish local councils to provide greater autonomy within Grenada.
