Half a mile back from the sea, one can hear the roar of the high-powered Mercury outboard engines mounted on hundreds of darting speedboats. Captains and crowds gather in Mercury Beach, Grande Anse d’Arlet, Martinique, on Saturday, July 27, 2024, for an all-day, no-holds-barred beach party.
While speedboats and jetskis are very welcome, catamarans and sailboats are politely asked to stay away, for the safety of all. Tickets are widely available throughout the island, but VIP passes are limited, so those who want to get the best view, the best booze and the best sound, are advised to apply soon.
Days before the event, scaffolding goes up for the DJs’ stage, where the vibes will explode onto the crowds, jiving and bopping on the beach and in the shallow water. Out further, hundreds of fast boats will raft together in a string of endless floating fetes. The VIP refreshment area is located over the water too, but will that cool the partygoers’ spirits? Not a chance! They’re here to dance, and dance, and dance. Some compete to show off more skin than is strictly necessary, but it’s all part of the French Antillean spirit.
While the DJs rev up the crowds and keep them on their feet in a never-ending blast of fantastic mixes, soap bubble cannons and other surprises entertain. One thing guests can be sure of: it will be loud!
Organizers ask the crowds: “Are you ready? Note the date, tattoo it, engrave it, do as you want, but whatever you do, don’t miss out!” Remember: Saturday, July 27, 2024.
