Carnival is an emblematic celebration deeply rooted in the culture of Guadeloupe and Martinique, a tradition that dates back over four centuries. The two islands have different customs and styles of carnival, but both are colorful and festive.

Martinique's carnival is recognized as one of the most magnificent in the world, combining influences from European and African cultures.

Guadeloupe's carnival, meanwhile, is equally popular, with colorful costume parades and captivating music and dance. It's the perfect way to show off your creative spirit, with lively music, grandiose outfits and lively choreography!

Strongly associated with local creativity, and gwoka music in particular, Guadeloupe's carnival offers a wide range of expressions, from political messages to cultural preservation and fun. Its distinctive feature, whatever the style of group, is that it features parades with marching bands.

Carnival was introduced by the colonists in the 17th century as a celebration before the restrictions of Lent. Over time, slaves were allowed to participate, incorporating some of the colonists' traditions while being able to mock their masters without incurring consequences. The history of carnival is still very much alive in Guadeloupe. One of the archipelago's oldest carnivals is Mas vyè fo, which has been held on the islands of Guadeloupe for over 150 years.

This annual festive and cultural event takes place over approximately two months, from the 1st Sunday in January (Epiphany) to Ash Wednesday. Each Sunday, the carnival takes place in one or more communes. The big Gras Sunday parade takes place in Pointe-à-Pitre, while Mardi Gras is celebrated in Basse-Terre Terre. The last day of Carnival, Ash Wednesday, is marked by the death of Vaval, King of Carnival.

The different types of carnival groups

There are several types of band, including “snare” bands, “Mas” bands and “po” bands. Most of the po bands come from Pointe-à-Pitre, where they parade every Sunday evening.

Les groupes à po:

They take their name from the drums they use, which are made of sheep or goatskin.

They use traditional instruments such as the chacha (a kind of maracas) and the trombophone (a shell transformed into a wind instrument).

Two types of music are played: gwo siwo (mainly by groups from Basse-Terre) and Sen Jan (mainly by those from Grande-Terre). They emerged in the 1980s against a backdrop of identity claims, and now play a central role in preserving the Carnival of yesteryear.

The two best-known groups are Akiyo and Voukoum.

Snare drum bands:

They are differentiated by the sounds emitted by the instruments, which are very similar to those of the Rio Carnival.

The outfits are often extremely colorful, requiring countless hours of work. Snare drum bands are the ones who brought the principle of the float into the Carnival tradition.

 The Mas bands:

They're the ones who play on the humor register the most.

They caricature current events and are often dressed up in monkey masks and flashy outfits.

Although in the beginning these groups had no musicians, it's increasingly common for them to be accompanied by instruments.

The masses like to crack whips, much to the delight of the children, who in turn try to make their own.

The synth bands:

They originated in Basse-Terre.

These are bands that take sound equipment out on flatbed trucks.

They're often referred to as “sound systems on wheels”. The music truck is followed by musicians, and it's usually behind them that band members and spectators end up dancing together, so much so that the frenzied rhythms call for participation.

Moko-zombis:

Derived from Brazilian influences, the Moko-Zombi first appeared in the Caribbean in the early 20th century.

At the head of the line, the Moko-Zombi adds a special dimension to carnival parades. They generally consist of a group of men dressed as women, masked and mounted on stilts. They dance to the sound of various musical instruments, representing spirits, zombies or the devil. He carries an umbrella which he uses to collect money.

This tradition has been perpetuated by Pointe-à-Pitre's Anthurium group for over 40 years.

The various parades

Carnival parades:

They all take place during the “jours gras”. The first is held on Shrove Sunday in Pointe-à-Pitre. All the groups march and compete for music and overall presentation.

On Shrove Monday, two parades are held. One in Basse-Terre for the night parade, and the other in Saint-François for the choreography competition.

Shrove Tuesday is undoubtedly the biggest parade, but also the most demanding, as it takes place in the steep streets of Basse-Terre.

It is during this final parade that the most floats can be admired.

The following day, Ash Wednesday, Vaval is burned to the ground and turned to dust for a year, marking the end of the festivities.

The key moments of Carnival:

The big parades are obviously the highlights of Carnival, but there are other key moments such as the Carnival Queen elections, the “lévé pyjama” which takes place very early in the morning on Shrove Monday, or the burlesque wedding which takes place on the same day.

Children are not to be outdone, either, as there are parades dedicated to them, such as the ti'goziéval, where they take part in a competition to reward their creations.

They even have their very own queen, who parades with the grown-ups during the jours gras.

CALENDAR 2025:

For 2025, carnival parades will kick off on January 5, an ideal date to celebrate the New Year in a festive atmosphere, while taking part in the emblematic traditions of carnival parades.
Nearly fifty parades, processions and deboulés will enliven the streets of key locations such as Pointe-à-Pitre and Basse-Terre. These events will showcase various groups, true symbols of Guadeloupe's cultural heritage. The festivities will continue until Wednesday, March 5, marking the last day of celebrations. The carnival season comes to a close in a warm and convivial atmosphere.
The southern islands have not been forgotten, with trips planned to Marie-Galante, La Désirade, Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas.
This joyous, festive and colorful event is eagerly awaited every year!