The French-Caribbean Revolution: Creolization in The West Indies

 Martinique: The Land of Music

Martinique's Representative Flag
(https://images.prismic.io/tourcrib)

Have you ever been to Martinique? No? Well, I haven't either, but what if I told you that we can both travel there free of charge-- and Covid. Comedic interrupted aside, lend me a bit of your time and let these rhymes transport you to a place so divine that it'll blow your mind. It's a land whose musical culture is ripe with style and class. And though some of the names, such as Bèlè, Zouk, and Beguine, might be ones you're unaware of, after your ears get a taste of these styles you would certainly wish you traveled to such a place. 

La Martinique

Above is a video I've found on Youtube, downloaded and enhanced to better capture the advertisement's accolades. Trust me, it used to look worse than this. Nonetheless, as your imaginary pilot on this trip throughout the French-Caribbean, I'll break down what's going on. Firstly, you'll be introduced to the geography of Martinique, filled with hills and plains surrounded by crystal blues like most islands in the Antilles. Next, as you're being swept away by the rhythmic beats of the soundtrack, you'll see flashes of the people expressing their culture via dance and song. If you're a Bahamian, you might just mistake the Timpani for a Goat-Skin drum. At least, I did at first. The remainder of the video guides you through the other beauties of Martinique, such as its cuisine, wildlife, and other sceneries. Thanks for flying, but unfortunately, we can't stay. Next up our travels take us to a land stricken with tragedy after tragedy though somehow sustains its hope.

Haiti: The Land of Revolutionaries

Haitian Flag
(https://restavekfreedom.org/wp-content)

For those of you that don't know, the red and blue in Haiti's flag doesn't stand for blood and water. Instead, it represents Ogou, the Voudon God of War. Yes, Voudon, as in, Voodoo, the horrifying African religion the old lady down the street practices that keeps you up at night. The same one you've heard will turn you into a goat if you messed with her or her belongings. Of course, this isn't true-- or is it? Well, let's take a look and find out.

Haitian Voodoo

Now, I know what I said before, but trust me, it's not as scary as it seems. National Geographic does a wonderful job of capturing what Haitian Voodoo's truly about. Like most African religions, it's very spiritual, focusing on the connection between the dead and the living. Additionally, it's also a religion that encompasses herbalism, commonly known as "bush-medicine". Of course, Voodoo goes beyond just Haiti just like Creole French. There are iconic Voudon attributes in New Orleans, ones that have been dramatized in mainstream entertainment. Personally, my favorite is Marie Laveau, a Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans. 

Bokit: Guadelope's Soul Food

Bitok and Chef Drumeaux of Pointe-à-Pitre
(https://www.saveur.com/app/uploads/)

Doesn't that look delicious? And no, I'm not talking about Chef Drumeaux, even though he's handsome, or the captivating yet ominous artwork outside his restaurant in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe. Instead, what I want to draw your eyes to ladies and gentlemen is the beautiful, scrumptious, and majestic sandwich sitting all in its lonesome to the left. Well, if I was there, my mouth would definitely give it some company. Nonetheless, there are disputes on its origin. Some see it as the descendant of the "Johnny Cake" while others believe it to have French origins. But, like most food, at least to me, the history's second and the flavors are first.

Bokit'La of Guadelope

Now, if you're like me, you definitely were curious about how to make this French-Caribbean delicacy. Don't worry, I got you. The video above elaborates the creative process behind this cuisine along with a bit of history regarding the dish. Now passengers, thank you for joining this imagination flight across the French-Caribbean. Hopefully, you enjoyed the information dump that gave a better insight into Creolization across the Caribbean due to colonialism. Enjoy the rest of your day-- And don't forget to make yourself a Bokit, you won't regret it, I promise you.