The word Sambai serves to distinguish: 1. a particular type of drum, 2. a specific dance, and 3. the event as a whole.

The Sambai is one of the most significant gatherings in the Creole culture. Often a fertility dance, the Sambai was traditionally performed every cycle of the moon, and at weddings and birthdays. People came together at night on these special days to feast, tell stories and make merry, each bringing food to the common table and wine made from local fruit (most commonly cashew).

One dancer emerges from the ring of lit faces around the pine fire and dances alone in the middle matching the voice of the cutter (lead) drum. As the featured dancer finishes, the next dancer is chosen with a beckoning gesture and the cycle continues. In this way, the young men and women court, young children strut their stuff, and older members of the community show the onlookers the moves of an experienced Sambai dancer.