For a small island with a population of 412,305 people, 98 percent of the population in Martinique lives in urban areas, certainly one of the reasons that attracts Martinicans to New York City; however, their long history of immigration to the United States certainly extends beyond the modern day ---

Characterized by a unique blend of French and Creole culture, including cuisine and linguistics, Martinican culture is also paired with a distinctive mix of sensuous music and dance and artistic expression, representative of the emancipation from slavery.

Martinique is certainly a land of its own, hence its reputation as the Pays des Revenants (Land to Which One Returns) – this explains why an additional 30% of the population lives in France, where Martinicans are official citizens. An additional 10% is estimated to live abroad, specifically in the United States, in Miami and New York.

The increasing Martinican Diaspora called for the establishment of numerous consulates and embassies throughout the country, including New York, Atlanta, and Puerto Rico in the past few decades.

New York City’s French Institute/Alliance Française even has a yearly Christmas celebration of Martinican tradition, where one can “enjoy traditional carols, try out some festive zouk dances, groove to a traditional Martinican band, and indulge in a traditional Martinican holiday meal.” – a perfect example of the francophone mosaic in New York.

Seeing a growing need for American and Martinican relations, in the past two years, flights between the two nations have increased, including the establishment of direct flights from New York and Miami from numerous airlines.

Zagat rates three places where one can connect with the Martinican culture right here in New York City through lambi and court-boullon traditional meals.