Fish Day: meet the fishermen and discover the flavours of the sea
One of the island’s most popular and iconic events, Fish Day, pays tribute to the island’s fishermen, traditional fishing methods and the flavours of the sea. Its 24th edition will take place on Sunday 7 June, from 10am to 10pm in the Galisbay car park.
Now an unmissable event, Fish Day has its roots in a much more modest initiative. In the 1990s, the Rambaud-Saint-Louis Women’s Cultural Association, spearheaded by Laurelle ‘Yaya’ Richards, had made a habit of preparing meals for the fishermen of Cul-de-Sac as part of a day of fellowship. It was a simple way of celebrating the sea, those who make their living from it, and ancestral culinary traditions. With the support of the Collectivité, the event—long held in Cul-de-Sac—gradually became a fixture on the calendar and has now found its home in the Galisbay car park.
Much more than a food festival, Fish Day has become a genuine family and community event centred on the region’s maritime identity. Every year, people gather there to discover or rediscover local specialities at the many stalls offering grilled fish, fried snapper, court-bouillon, fish colombo, accras, conch… A veritable showcase of seafood, prepared and served in all its forms, highlighting traditional recipes and local flavours.
Fish Day is also an opportunity to highlight the vital role of fishermen in Saint Martin’s economy and culture, and to pass on to younger generations a heritage deeply rooted in the island’s history. Entertainment, crafts and concerts will punctuate this festive day, which will continue until 10 pm in a friendly and musical atmosphere.
