Good to know
Good to Know
- Between January and February during Carnival, Guadeloupe enjoys warm and pleasant weather with average temperatures around 82°F (28°C)
- Fête des Cuisinières features approximately 200 cordons-bleus (skilled cooks) parading in traditional regalia with madras fabrics, embroidered aprons, headscarves, and flower-adorned baskets, led by elderly members to the cathedral for blessing of food and kitchen utensils
- Carnival's Gwoup a Po tradition brings together hundreds of musicians marching to the beat of drums made from animal skins, accompanied by chachas (traditional rattles) and conch shells
- Fête des Cuisinières originated in 1916 when a group of women created a mutual aid society to fund dignified burials, establishing the first 'Le Cuistot Mutuel' (Mutual Society of Cooks) in Guadeloupe
Events
Guadeloupe Carnival (Carnaval De Guadeloupe)
- Timing
- Early January to Ash Wednesday (February/March)
- Location
- Throughout Pointe-à-Pitre (Place de la Victoire, Rue Frébault, city center streets)
- Admission
- Free (street parades); optional paid banquets and special events available
- When Exact
- Saturday January 3 through Wednesday February 18, 2026
- Description
- Two intense months of color, music, tradition and pure energy, with three days of intense celebration (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday of Mardi Gras) featuring grand parades in Pointe-à-Pitre starting around 2 PM. Events include song and dance contests, election of the carnival queen, and costumed parades.
- Practical Notes
- Arrive 1-2 hours in advance for best viewing spots; parking is difficult near parade areas—use public lots and carpooling
Key Moments
- Bain Démarré (January 1): ritual purification where participants gather in Pointe-à-Pitre at 8 AM and head to nearby beaches at 10 AM with symbolic offerings
- Dimanche Gras (February 15, 2026): children's colorful parade with young performers in handmade costumes
- Lundi Gras parades and burlesque wedding (Monday February 16, 2026)
- Burning of King Vaval on Ash Wednesday, marking the symbolic end of carnival and beginning of Lent
Fête Des Cuisinières (Cooks' Festival)
- Timing
- August
- Location
- Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul and streets of Pointe-à-Pitre (rue d'Ennery, Place de la Victoire)
- Admission
- Entrance cards sold at the Maison des Cuisinières (rue d'Ennery); pricing available on-site
- When Exact
- The Saturday closest to August 10
- Description
- A major cultural event celebrating Saint-Laurent, the patron saint of cooks, highlighting the essential role of women in preserving the island's culinary and dress culture. The festivities begin with a mass at Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul church, followed by a colorful street procession where women cooks in traditional finery carry blessed Creole dishes, concluding with a festive community banquet.
- Practical Notes
- Purchase entry cards directly at the Maison des Cuisinières; note that this is increasingly tourist-oriented and has become quite expensive
Les Grandes Fêtes De Pointe-à-Pitre
- Timing
- Early July
- Location
- Pointe-à-Pitre city center
- Admission
- Free (street-based public celebrations)
- When Exact
- Typically takes place in early July
- Description
- Festival known for vibrant parades, cultural events, and musical performances, showcasing the rich heritage of the island. Often aligns with the celebration of the city's patron saint, Saint Pierre, including various activities that highlight Guadeloupean culture.
- Practical Notes
- Exact dates may vary slightly depending on local scheduling; it is advisable to check specific dates for the current year as they can fluctuate
May 27 Abolition of Slavery Commemorations
- Timing
- May 27 (annually)
- Location
- Pointe-à-Pitre city center
- Admission
- Free
- When Exact
- May 27 (annual)
- Description
- Guadeloupe celebrates the abolition of slavery with official ceremonies, concerts and exhibitions. The city celebrates the Delgrès, Ignace and Solitude commemorations in tribute to the heroes of the struggles against slavery.
Route Du Rhum (Every Four Years)
- Timing
- November (every four years)
- Location
- Marina and Port of Pointe-à-Pitre
- Admission
- Free (public festivities)
- When Exact
- Every four years; next editions approximately 2027, 2031
- Description
- A solo transatlantic sailing race starting from Saint-Malo in France and ending in Pointe-à-Pitre. Upon arrival, the city transforms into a giant celebration with maritime festivities, fireworks, concerts, and activities for families, with the Marina and port becoming the center of celebrations attracting visitors worldwide.
- Practical Notes
- This is a major international event that transforms the city into a celebration zone
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this signature annual events research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
- 1.takeyourbackpack.com
- 2.en.europcar-guadeloupe.com
- 3.france-voyage.com
- 4.france-voyage.com
- 5.lesilesdeguadeloupe.com
- 6.frenchcaribbean.com
- 7.aircaraibes.com
- 8.we-love-guadeloupe.com
- 9.routard.com
- 10.airvacances.fr
- 11.pointeapitre.fr
- 12.portail-guadeloupe.com
- 13.lesilesdeguadeloupe.com
- 14.lesilesdeguadeloupe.com
- 15.magazine.prestigevillarental.com
More About Pointe-à-Pitre
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.