The Guadeloupe Carnival is one of the most important festivities in the Antilles. Each year, it takes place during two months in early winter and ends the day after Shrove Tuesday. Originally imported by European settlers, the carnival tradition has gradually permeated Caribbean culture.
Today, many events are part of the festival: song and dance contest, election of the queen and costumed parades. Although all municipalities are involved, it is mainly in Basse-Terre that the most important events take place. It is here that the opening parade is held in January, as well as the grand parade, the Sunday before Shrove Tuesday. Throughout the day, costumed dancers and musicians followed by a joyous crowd line the streets to the beat of the drums.
The last day, Ash Wednesday, is marked by the burning of King Vaval, the symbolic figure of the carnival.
Guide of the GuadeloupeUnmissable places and recommendations in the Guadeloupe
Guide of Les AbymesTourism, breaks and holidays around Les Abymes
Municipality of Les AbymesDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Les Abymes
Guide of Baie-MahaultTourism, breaks and holidays around Baie-Mahault
Municipality of Baie-MahaultDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Baie-Mahault
Guide of Basse-TerreTourism, breaks and holidays around Basse-Terre
Municipality of Basse-TerreDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Basse-Terre
Guide of BouillanteTourism, breaks and holidays around Bouillante
Municipality of BouillanteDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Bouillante
Guide of Capesterre-Belle-EauTourism, breaks and holidays around Capesterre-Belle-Eau
Municipality of Capesterre-Belle-EauDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Capesterre-Belle-Eau
Guide of DeshaiesTourism, breaks and holidays around Deshaies
Municipality of DeshaiesDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Deshaies
Guide of Grand-BourgTourism, breaks and holidays around Grand-Bourg
Municipality of Grand-BourgDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Grand-Bourg
Guide of Le GosierTourism, breaks and holidays around Le Gosier
Municipality of Le GosierDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Le Gosier
Guide of Pointe-à-PitreTourism, breaks and holidays around Pointe-à-Pitre
Municipality of Pointe-à-PitreDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Pointe-à-Pitre
Guide of Port-LouisTourism, breaks and holidays around Port-Louis
Municipality of Port-LouisDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Port-Louis
Guide of Saint-ClaudeTourism, breaks and holidays around Saint-Claude
Municipality of Saint-ClaudeDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Saint-Claude
Guide of Saint-FrançoisTourism, breaks and holidays around Saint-François
Municipality of Saint-FrançoisDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Saint-François
Guide of Sainte-AnneTourism, breaks and holidays around Sainte-Anne
Municipality of Sainte-AnneDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Sainte-Anne
Guide of Trois-RivièresTourism, breaks and holidays around Trois-Rivières
Municipality of Trois-RivièresDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Trois-Rivières
Outings in the GuadeloupeIdeas for walks and hikes in the Guadeloupe
Photos of the GuadeloupePhotos of the Guadeloupe to view and download
Hotels in the GuadeloupeA wide choice of hotels with reductions of up to 70%.
Vacation rentals in the GuadeloupeSelf-catering holiday homes, gîtes and apartments.
Bed & breakfasts in the GuadeloupeRooms from local hosts offering a personal welcome.
Restaurants in the GuadeloupeRegional and international cuisine, style of restaurant and menus.
Leisure activities in the GuadeloupeA great selection of activities including sports, well-being, gourmet food and entertainment.