Guadeloupe is a vibrant island where Creole culture is expressed through a multitude of festivals and events throughout the year. Music, dance, gastronomy, traditions and sport punctuate local life, offering visitors an authentic and immersive experience. Here’s a month-by-month guide to the main events not to be missed in Guadeloupe.
January – Carnaval de Guadeloupe: The Unmissable Event
🔹 When are we open? From early January to Ash Wednesday (February/March).
🔹 Where? All over Guadeloupe, with special events in Pointe-à-Pitre, Basse-Terre and the communes.
🔹 Why go? The Guadeloupe Carnival is one of the most spectacular in the Caribbean. From January onwards, the streets come alive with colorful parades, skin bands, flamboyant costumes and drum beats. It culminates on Mardi Gras with gigantic parades and ends on Ash Wednesday with the cremation of King Vaval.
🔗 Find out more about Carnival
February – Tour de la Guadeloupe en Voile Traditionnelle
🔹 When? Mid-February.
🔹 Where? All around the archipelago.
🔹 Why go? Traditional sailing yawls and canoes are a strong symbol of Guadeloupe’s maritime heritage. This regatta is a wonderful opportunity to discover the beaches and lagoons from another angle, while admiring the skill of the local sailors.
March – Crab Festival in Morne-à-l’Eau
🔹 When? Late March – early April.
🔹 Where? Morne-à-l’Eau.
🔹 Why go? This traditional festival celebrates the land crab, an emblematic dish of Guadeloupean cuisine. Tastings, culinary competitions and local entertainment punctuate this not-to-be-missed event.
🔗 Find out more about the Crab Festival
April – Guadarun & Easter
🔹 How soon? Early April.
🔹 Where? Several islands in the archipelago.
🔹 Why go? The Guadarun, a unique multi-sport raid, crosses several of the archipelago’s islands, combining running and nautical challenges.
Easter festivities in Guadeloupe are also a highlight, marked by traditional beach picnics where families gather to enjoy the famous crab matété.
May – Abolition of Slavery and Terre de Blues Festival
🔹 When? May 27 for the abolition of slavery, Pentecost for Terre de Blues.
🔹 Where? All of Guadeloupe for the abolition, Marie-Galante for Terre de Blues.
🔹 Why go there? On May 27, Guadeloupe celebrates the abolition of slavery with official ceremonies, concerts and exhibitions.
The Terre de Blues Festival is a benchmark for Caribbean music. It features internationally renowned artists and showcases blues, reggae and Creole music.
🔗 See the Terre de Blues Festival program
June – Fête de la Musique & All Day In Festival
🔹 When? June 21 for Fête de la Musique, variable date for All Day In.
🔹 Where? All over Guadeloupe for the Fête de la Musique, mainly in Saint-François on the Raisins Clairs beach for All Day In.
🔹 Why go? The Fête de la Musique is a day when the streets come alive with free concerts showcasing local musical diversity: gwo ka, zouk, reggae, jazz and urban music.
The All Day In Festival is one of the most eagerly awaited electro and urban events, bringing together international DJs and artists on the paradisiacal beaches of Guadeloupe. An unforgettable musical experience! For example, the All Day In Festival takes place on July 19 & 20, 2025.
July – Tour Cycliste de la Guadeloupe
🔹 When? Early July.
🔹 Where? All of Guadeloupe.
🔹 Why go? This major sporting event is one of the most closely followed in the Caribbean region. It attracts international cyclists who cross the archipelago in a thrilling race.
August – Fêtes Patronales
🔹 When? Throughout August.
🔹 Where? Each commune celebrates its patron saint’s day.
🔹 Why go? Patronal feasts are a mix of religious traditions and popular festivities, including parades, concerts, sports competitions and craft markets.
October – International Zouk Festival
🔹 When? Mid-October.
🔹 Where? Mainly in Pointe-à-Pitre.
🔹 Why go? Zouk, a musical genre born in Guadeloupe, is featured at this festival, which brings together the best local and international artists.
🔗 Find out more about the Festival du Zouk
November – Route du Rhum: The legendary transatlantic race
🔹 When will it be held? Every 4 years (next edition in 2026).
🔹 Where? Departure from Saint-Malo, arrival in Pointe-à-Pitre.
🔹 Why go? This legendary race links Saint-Malo to Guadeloupe, bringing together the world’s best skippers. The atmosphere at the finish is electric, with entertainment, concerts and meetings with the sailors.
December – Christmas and Chanté Nwèl
🔹 When? All December.
🔹 Where? All of Guadeloupe.
🔹 Why go? Christmas celebrations in Guadeloupe are unique, with the Chanté Nwèl, evenings when families and friends gather to sing carols in Creole around festive banquets.
VIP experience with Prestige Villa Rental
For a complete cultural immersion, Prestige Villa Rental offers :
- Exclusive bookings for the best events.
- VIP access to festivals and private concerts.
- Tailor-made theme breaks combining music, traditions and gastronomy.
- Meetings with local artists and personalities.
Conclusion
Guadeloupe offers a rich calendar of festivities, combining culture, tradition and entertainment. Whether you’re passionate about music, sport or gastronomy, every month brings its share of unmissable events. With Prestige Villa Rental, live an immersive and exclusive experience at the heart of the archipelago’s finest celebrations.
