Guadeloupe - Carnival and Festivals

The colorful Mardi Gras Carnival on Guadeloupe lasts for five days ending on Ash Wednesday in late February. The biggest parades happen on Shrove Sunday, Tuesday's Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday. The visitor can see and photograph the costume and music contests, the election of the Carnival Queen and the many nighttime celebrations. The carnivals occur in every town and village, but the largest celebrations happen in Pointe-à-Pitre and Basse-Terre.

In July is the Festival Guadeloupe, which includes such events as the international bike race Tour de la Guadeloupe, traditional music festivals and beauty contests.

All Saints Days occur throughout August, being honored on different dates in different communities