Located in the heart of Grande-Terre island at the junction of roads leading to Le Moule, Les Abymes and Anse-Bertrand, the town of Morne-à-l'Eau has a cemetery that is exceptional to say the least. Its chequered black and white graves create the impression of a big chessboard. Arranged as an amphitheatre on the side of a small hill, it dazzles visitors with its impressive tombs, some adorned with slanting roofs and terraces... Its originality and uniqueness make it one of the most visited cemeteries of Guadeloupe! The oldest tomb appears to date from 1847, when only the rich could afford such graves.
Every year on All Saints' Day, Morne-à-l'Eau Cemetery is particularly lively. At dusk, the graves are covered with thousands of lit candles, and it is not uncommon for sellers of bokits (a type of local sandwich) and peanuts to set up their stands near the cemetery for the occasion. There's something of a party atmosphere, which can be quite a surprise for tourists!
