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.

The months of July and August are devoted to the extended 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.

The Schoelcher Festival is held in late July to honor the memory of Victor Schoelcher, who authored the final abolition of slavery in Guadeloupe.