Lakou A – Immersion in the traditional peasant culture of Martinique
There is no shortage of cultural and tourist activities in Martinique. But some places offer authentic and unique experiences that are not to be missed. This is the case with Lakou A in Gros-Morne, which is committed to promoting the cultural tradition of the mornes.
Lakou A, a special meaning
In Creole, the term "lakou" originally refers to a group of huts gathered around a common dirt courtyard. This type of housing, which was mainly found in rural areas, then moved to cities as a result of rural exodus. Whether in the countryside or the city, the lakou was a place where residents would meet and socialize, sharing activities or gathering for special occasions. True to this history, Lakou A is a place that celebrates community, a place for meeting, sharing, and passing on traditions, welcoming everyone, residents and visitors alike.
Lakou A's "Tradition & Sharing" days, an authentic experience of the culture of the mornes
Lakou A is nestled in the center of Martinique, in the Bois-Lézard district of the rural commune of Gros-Morne. This agro-cultural enterprise was conceived by Renaud Bonard, who is passionate about agriculture, traditional dance (bèlè), and culture more broadly.
Although the venue is simple in appearance (a roof covering a dirt floor space, reminiscent of traditional lakous), the program is rich and offers an unforgettable experience.
Lakou A's "Tradition & Sharing" days invite visitors not only to discover, but to truly experience the culture inherited from the Maroons, slaves who fled their plantations to take refuge in the hills and develop their own model of society. Naturalist knowledge, gastronomy, ancestral agricultural practices, traditional dance and music: it is rare to be able to discover so many elements of Martinican culture in one place and in a single day.
In the morning, flavors take center stage. The activity "An nou an jadin" (Let's go to the garden) takes participants on a stroll through the Creole garden at Lakou-a to harvest spices and aromatic plants that will be used for the second activity, "An nou fè manjé" (Let's cook!). This is an opportunity to showcase the farm's vegetables and fruit, as well as meat from Renaud Bonard's livestock and fresh fish from partner fishermen, before a delicious lunch called "Bwè ek manjé yonn a lot" (Let's drink and eat together).
The second part of Lakou A's "Tradition & Sharing" days is dedicated to history, music, and dance. During the "Viv li pou komprann" (Live it to understand it) event, Renaud Bonard shares his knowledge and pride in the island's history and traditional bèlè dance. Continuing on from the morning, participants learn through experimentation with a bèlè dance workshop, a session of traditional games, and an introduction to Lafouyetè, a collaborative agricultural practice accompanied by drums, ti bwa, conch shells, and singing.
This wonderful moment of conviviality and discovery is crowned by a typical Martinican snack.
For more information:
- reservation@lakoua.com
- +596 696 17 34 74
- Bois Lézard neighborhood, Chemin la Borélie, Gros Morne, 97213.
- @lakou.a sur Instagram
- Lakou A on Facebook
Article written by : Axelle DORVILLE
