Easter in Guadeloupe, all you need to know

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Easter vacations are the perfect "season" to discover Guadeloupe. At the end of the high season, you can enjoy the island and spend pleasant moments with your family, get some sun and learn more about the history of the island, what more could you ask for! At Easter you will have the chance to enjoy traditional Creole cuisine, including the main menus of this period.

A religious holiday above all in Guadeloupe

Easter is above all a religious holiday and has a special meaning for the faithful. Guadeloupe has many believers, mostly Christians. For many of them, it is an occasion to gather and commemorate the resurrection of Christ.

How is Easter Week organized in Guadeloupe ?

Easter is celebrated over several days in the French West Indies and especially in Guadeloupe. The Holy Week begins with the Palm Sunday mass, which takes place one week before Easter Monday.

During "Good Friday" Christians practice fasting before gathering with their families around accras. This is the island's signature dish, often garnished with cod, vegetables or shrimp.

"Saturday Gloria" will mark the end of Lent. The faithful will go to mass usually with their families.

Easter Sunday and Monday: it is the occasion for families to gather and taste the crab matéte on the different beaches of the island.

What is the weather like in Guadeloupe during Easter ?

The weather in Guadeloupe in April is generally pleasant and sunny. Temperatures tend to hover between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius during the day, so you can enjoy fun activities like kayaking, snorkeling, surfing or just relaxing on the beach with a good book...

With fewer people than in high season, it's the perfect time for visitors to get out and explore all that Guadeloupe, also known as the Butterfly Island, has to offer, including its beautiful beaches and marine life.

Crab, the star of Easter

Crab matte, a must-have Easter dish in Guadeloupe

In the past, crab was considered a slave food. Upon their arrival on the islands, the colonists converted the slaves to Christianity and baptized them. In order to respect the tradition of Lent, which forbids the consumption of meat, the slaves were forced to eat crab, which at the time was a lean meat.

They would therefore meet and eat only crab throughout Lent, and on Easter Sunday they would finish the stock before returning to eating other meats.

Since then, this tradition has continued and today crab has become the must-try dish at Easter. A dish not to be missed to discover the Guadeloupean gastronomy !

How are crabs caught at Easter ?

There are two well-known techniques for catching crabs :

• The first is to place a trap called "zatrap" or bwèt à krab in Creole, under the hole dug by the crab. The latter, attracted by the bait, is then captured.

• The second method consists in waiting for the crabs to come out of their burrows to capture them or in going to get them directly in their burrows by hand using equipment (boots, hats, gloves, bag).

Once captured, the crabs are fed mainly with leaves, or fruits and vegetables (mangoes, cane, tomatoes, corn, etc...).

What are the activities to do at Easter in Guadeloupe ?

Enjoy the beaches in Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe has beautiful beaches where you can spend a wonderful day in the sun. Casual and charming, each beach has its own personality and charm.

Lounge under a palm tree, or head to the sea to enjoy the waters. With picturesque views of the volcanic peaks that dominate the landscape, a day at the beach in Guadeloupe will be an experience full of beauty and relaxation.

Some beaches to visit in Guadeloupe :

• The beach of Anse Feuillard, in Marie Galante

• The beach of Grande Anse in Deshaies

• The beaches of La Désirade,

• The beach of Souffleur, in Port-Louis

• The beach of Bois-Jolan, in Sainte-Anne

Camping in Guadeloupe

Who says Easter in Guadeloupe says camping! It's a tradition, a privileged moment to discuss and spend good moments with friends or family.

Many people settle down before the Pascal weekend to enjoy the beaches even more.

Where to eat crab in Guadeloupe ?

Morne à l'Eau is considered as the capital of crab in Guadeloupe. It is the place to visit if you want to discover the local products and taste the culinary specialties of Guadeloupe. There are several vendors in the streets, offering prepared dishes to take away.

Between, calalou, matété, crab dombrés, crab cakes or Louisiana okra, there are many recipes to discover in Morne à l'Eau.

Rent a car in Guadeloupe at Easter

At Easter, treat yourself to an adventure with a car rental in Guadeloupe, a great way to increase your mobility and explore the island at your own pace.

Experience wonderful moments that will stay with you for years to come! Europcar is committed to ensuring that every customer has an unforgettable trip. Wondering which car to choose for a rental? Don't worry, we're here to help !