The Adajé Mural

You’ve reached the end of the Malecon, where a stunningly colourful piece of art unfolds beneath your feet. As you walk across it, you’ll spot familiar Martinican landscapes, iconic animals, and vibrant scenes that celebrate the island’s rich culture. This monumental piece is part of a government initiative called Martinik Pli Bel—which means “Making Martinique More Beautiful”—a project created to showcase the island’s natural and cultural heritage. Completed in October 2023, this floor painting was designed by the artist collective Mada Paint, who gave it the name Adajé. In Creole, this word means “this is not a joke.” While the name might seem surprising at first, it’s a meaningful reference to the history of the site, known as “The Dissidents’ Alley.” It pays tribute to the Martinican men who resisted the Vichy regime during the Second World War and joined General de Gaulle’s Free French Forces from London. These West Indian fighters were long overlooked in official narratives of the Resistance, and both the mural and the alley are now here to honour their courage and keep their memory alive. Designed as a giant game of goose, spread over more than 1,500 square metres, the painting is a playful yet powerful expression of Martinican identity, adding a splash of colour and life to the waterfront. Over time, the artwork may evolve and will need maintenance to keep it from fading—but the collective hopes to one day extend it all the way to La Française beach. Hopefully, it’s bright and vivid during your visit, so you can interact with the 3D designs and quite literally step into the scene.