Guadeloupe Carnival
Guadeloupe Carnival 2026
Looking for the dates of Guadeloupe Carnival 2026 or the full program of festivities? Here's a preview of this year's must-see events so you can make the most of this colorful period, rich in culture and tradition!
Are you getting ready for Carnival 2026? This year, Carnival in Guadeloupe begins on Sunday, January 6 (after Epiphany) and runs until February 18, 2026. Mardi Gras will be celebrated from Sunday, February 15, 2026, to Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
📅 Key dates for Guadeloupe Carnival 2026
Guadeloupe Carnival, a true institution in the archipelago, officially takes place from Shrove Sunday to Ash Wednesday. Here are the highlights not to be missed:
Carnival begins on the first Sunday after Epiphany (January) and ends on Ash Wednesday.
Fat Days
Fat Sunday: February 15, 2026
Fat Monday: February 16, 2026
Fat Tuesday: February 17, 2026
Ash Wednesday: February 18, 2026
🎭 Guadeloupe Carnival Program 2026
A true cultural highlight of the Caribbean, the 2026 Guadeloupe Carnival promises to be a colorful season! From the first parades in January to the grand parades in Basse-Terre in February, each weekend offers a unique spectacle where music, dance, and flamboyant costumes come together.
📅 Important dates not to be missed
The official program for the 2026 Guadeloupe Carnival is provisional at this stage and subject to change. Please check our page regularly for updates and new parade dates.
January 2026
Thursday, January 1: An unmissable tradition in Guadeloupe, the bain démarré kicks off each new year with joy and good cheer. In 2026, it will take place on Thursday, January 1, symbolically marking the start of the carnival season on the island's beaches.
Saturday, January 3 – Presentation of the Vaval with Luberc 3000
Sunday, January 11: Goyave Parade
Saturday, January 17: Terre-de-Bas Parade in Les Saintes
Sunday, January 18: LIMA’SS Parade in Sainte-Rose
Sunday, January 25: Pointe-Noire Parade
Saturday, January 31: Woy Mi Mass Parade in Marie-Galante
February 2026
Sunday, February 1 – Vieux-Habitants Parade
Saturday, February 7 – Election of the Carnival King and Queen in Capesterre-Belle-Eau
Sunday, February 8 – KAPÈS Kannaval Parade in Capesterre-Belle-Eau
Monday, February 16 – Mardi Gras Light Parade in Basse-Terre
Theme: Inspirations and Nighttime Rhythms
Tuesday, February 17 – Mardi Gras Giga Parade Maestro in Basse-Terre
Theme: Treasures of Heritage
Guadeloupe Carnival: Overview, History, and Traditions
Guadeloupe Carnival is one of the biggest cultural events in the Caribbean. With spectacular parades, colorful costumes, and lively rhythms, this popular festival brings the island to life at the start of each year.
It is much more than just a carnival: it is a true celebration of Guadeloupean identity. The walking groups, called gwoup a po, prepare their choreography and ka drums from November onwards to put on an unforgettable show in the streets of Pointe-à-Pitre, Basse-Terre, Marie-Galante, and other towns in the archipelago.
The mythical character Vaval, king of the carnival, is at the center of the festivities. He embodies the spirit of the people before being burned on Ash Wednesday, marking the symbolic end of the carnival and the beginning of Lent.
Among the highlights of the carnival in Guadeloupe:
The bain démarré on January 1, a tradition that opens the carnival season.
The grand parades in Pointe-à-Pitre and Basse-Terre during the days of fat, including Mardi Gras, the highlight of the carnival.
A veritable explosion of music, dance, and creativity, the carnival in Guadeloupe attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Why go to the 2026 Guadeloupe Carnival?
The Guadeloupe Carnival embodies the joie de vivre, cultural expression, and resilience of the Guadeloupean people. With its values of sharing, artistic richness, and infectious energy, it attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to discover this legendary celebration.
Attending the 2026 Guadeloupe Carnival is an authentic experience:
🥁 Discover the walking groups and their lively percussion music;
🎭 Admire the Grande Parade in Basse-Terre and the parades in Pointe-à-Pitre;
💃 Immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere that unites locals and visitors alike;
🌴 Enjoy a cultural journey to the heart of the Caribbean, between sea, music, and tradition.
It's also an opportunity to savor the local cuisine, explore the island, and experience the warmth that Guadeloupe is known for.
Everything you need to know about the carnival in Guadeloupe
From Vaval, the ephemeral king of carnival, to the molasses-covered Gwo Siwo, to the synth bands and mas à fèyaj, all embody the spirit and diversity of this unique Caribbean celebration.
The different carnival groups
Vaval
Every year, Vaval embodies the excesses or significant events of the year: he is celebrated during the parade on Fat Sunday and burned on Ash Wednesday.
"Po" groups
The "Gwoup a po" bring together hundreds of musicians marching to the beat of drums made from animal skins, accompanied by chachas and conch shells. A prime example is Akyo, one of the best-known groups, which passionately perpetuates this tradition.
The "Siwo" groups
Often associated with collectives such as the Voukoum group in Basse-Terre, Siwo groups perpetuate a tradition that is spiritual, protest-oriented, and artistic, linking each carnival to the island's history and cultural pride.
Synth Groups
Synth groups bring a modern touch to the Guadeloupe Carnival. On foot, these talented musicians thrill the crowd with the sound of their synthesizers, bass guitars, and electric guitars. Their unique style blends tradition and modernity, creating an electrifying and dynamic atmosphere at every parade.
The "Ti Mass" groups
The Ti Mass, literally "little masks," are young masked artists who bring a touch of mischief and energy to the parades. They play a variety of percussion instruments, combining steel pans, plastic drums, snare drums, and whistles.
Snare drum groups
Renowned for their powerful sound and visual impact, these bands are distinguished by their players dressed in colorful, eclectic costumes. From their often beautifully decorated floats, they play instruments such as brass and snare drums, creating a festive musical atmosphere.
Traditions in Guadeloupe during Carnival
Whips
Whips are an integral part of the Guadeloupe Carnival. Used by certain groups on foot, they crack through the air to the beat of the drums, evoking physical mastery, the power of sound, and the African roots of this celebration. Their impressive crackling animates the streets and contributes to the intense energy of the parades.
The costumes
Every Sunday during Carnival, Guadeloupean groups parade in new costumes designed around a theme chosen collectively. These handcrafted creations often tell a story inspired by current events, legends, or symbolic messages. Embroidery, feathers, sequins, and recycled materials are combined to bring these vibrant, colorful, and meaningful works of art to life.
💡 Advice from Europcar Guadeloupe
For the Guadeloupe Carnival parades, particularly in Basse-Terre and Pointe-à-Pitre, plan to arrive at least 1 to 2 hours in advance, especially during the days of Fat Tuesday.
Parking can be difficult near the parade areas: consider using the public parking lots located around the city center and carpooling.
Check the carnival program regularly, as some parades may change dates or locations depending on weather conditions.
As for the weather, there's no need to worry: between January and February, Guadeloupe enjoys warm and pleasant weather, with an average temperature of around 82°F, perfect for enjoying the carnival in complete serenity!
🚗Book your vehicle now
To make sure you don't miss a thing, rent a car from Europcar Guadeloupe and follow the parades across the island in complete freedom.
Where is the Guadeloupe carnival?
The Guadeloupe carnival takes place all over the archipelago, particularly in Pointe à Pitre and Basse Terre.
What's carnival like in Guadeloupe?
The Guadeloupe carnival takes place over 4 days. It generally begins on Shrove Sunday and ends on Ash Wednesday. During this period, the whole of Guadeloupe lives to the rhythm of the festivities.
Subscribe to our newsletter and receive our best offers of the moment exclusively
Tripadvisor
Travel award
Kayak
