Spectacles on Marie Galante : Art and Culture

Art & Culture on Marie Galante : Spectacles

Cock fights A unique and passionate tradition in the West Indies. On appointment you can participate in the bathing and massage of these athletic birds, fed and trained to fight and win. Tournaments take place between the months of January and June from 2 p.m. every Sunday in the island’s two rival clubs.

Ox races Marie Galante’s most important farm hand takes a brief leave of sugarcane and savannah to bathe in its former splendour and display its extraordinary strength. Cattle-pull races originate from Marie Galante, competitions are highly regulated with several categories of participating animals, from the lightest oxen (600 kg) to A-category ones (870 kg). The race consists of climbing a dirt path as far as possible within 10 minutes, which is rendered difficult by the fact that these steep roads become less and less smooth with each passing yoke. The teams consist of two animals and three men, whom the oxen must pull in a chariot along with a set weight of 1,2 to 2 tons of extra charge. Drivers encourage their beasts by yelling orders at them in a peculiar jargon of insults, while the two runners stall their chariots with rocks to avoid sliding down backwards on the steep slopes, especially when the weather is rainy as the chariots are not equipped with brakes. The race is a magnificent and impressive sight to witness, demanding exceptional training and good complicity between man and animal. Great races are held every weekend from the month of August on the slopes of Canada, Morne Lolo, Faup, Welch, Tacy, Courbaril and Saint Michel, where Guadeloupe’s best teams compete for the titles of Forcat and Rapide. Ask around in the tourist office for exact dates.