Fun and festivities in Guadeloupe - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

Music and dancing are popular in Guadeloupe, and it is hard to resist enchanting local rhythms. In order to see the Caribbean spirit with your own eyes, it is not necessary to wait for some festival. Simply wait for the next weekend’s evening and come to the central square of Le Moule, a town in the east of Grande-Terre. Dancing and fun last several hours and end after midnight. Some tunes that sound here are not known anywhere else in the world. For example, not many people know about Zouk music. Some music will sound familiar but very old, for example, quadrille.

Zouk music emerged in Guadeloupe in the 80s of the previous century. Its rhythms cannot leave people indifferent, neither adults not children. Zouk is the traditional music of carnivals and all kinds of celebrations, home-based and national ones. Tourists can hear its sounds lingering from speakers and live musicians. A special rhythm played on Caribbean drums is the heart of Zouk. The rhythm is so energetic and enchanting that it is hard to resist a temptation to dance. Then quadrille starts playing and older Creoles indulge themselves into dancing.

Quadrille appeared on the island together with French colonizers. Local people were not permitted to dance the quadrille at that time. When the cultures started mixing, Creoles adopted the dance. Nowadays, it is possible to hear the sounds of quadrille as often as a century ago. The popular Ti-Punch cocktail makes every party even more exciting. This is a famous cocktail with rum. Before serving, a small pile of cane sugar and lime juice are added to the cocktail. The cocktail is soft and delicate but beware of its delicious taste because it is easy to get drunk. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

It is a mistake to think that street festivities are limited to playing two music styles. There are musicians who play such famous folk music as Calinda, Laghia, and Grage that is traditional for the islands. Everyone dances together – locals and tourists – and barmen gladly look at the number of people waiting for their Ti-Punch. That being said, you will not find drunken people even though half of the people hold Ti-Punch cocktails in their hands. Some individuals come dressed in modern clothing and some – in antique ball dresses of past centuries. It is even possible to see how men invite women for a dance by removing their hats.

There are festivals dedicated to different themes in Guadeloupe. For example, there is an annual carnival of chefs who come from all parts of the country to cook various delicacies. Within just one day, tourists can try dozens of delicious dishes. The procession of female chefs in national costumes with fruit baskets on their heads is definitely one of the most memorable parts of the festival. Dancing children in colorful carnival costumes follow the procession. The Antilles do not have a diverse everyday menu, so Guadeloupe with its incredible meat and fish dishes is an exception.

Guadeloupe loves holidays. Christmas is one of them. There is no snow on Christmas in the country, this is doesn’t change the festive mood and traditional Chante Nwel concerts. Restaurants offer special entertainment programs and invite famous performers. The famous Guadeloupe Carnival takes place before the Lent. There is no time for sorrow and depression at this time of the year. Music, singing, and dancing do not stop, and people in fancy costumes walk on the streets. In spring, tourists can participate in one more original holiday – the Crab Festival. Summer is the time for Le Festival de Gwo Ka with all kinds of drum music that tourists can hardly hear anywhere else.

The Gwakako workshop in the north-west of Besse-Terre produced cocoa. Visitors can participate in educative and entertaining seminars, during which they learn how cocoa trees grow and how to harvest cocoa pods. Much attention is paid to different aspects of making chocolate, such as roasting cocoa beans, cleaning them, smashing, etc. Under the careful guidance of a professional master, everyone will make a chocolate bar and take it home. Such “sweet” entertainment is suitable for both children and adults. It is a great way to learn something new and enjoy a memorable experience.

Tourists can visit different thematic museums in Guadeloupe that are dedicated to rum, vanilla, coffee or banana. Of course, these are not huge museum complexes like Louvre, but many of them are very educative. For example, visitors can learn about different species of banana, some of which are cooked just like vegetables. These museums usually cover the whole specter of works, starting from growing plant and until the ready product. In many museums, visitors can participate in production processes and sampling.

Having explored different routes, it is time to visit Sainte Anne and its market that is located close to the beach. Just like everywhere else, it is possible to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and textiles. The market is also a wonderful place to sample souvenirs that are usually cheaper here. Stock up on spices and buy a bottle of rum (it is allowed to export it) – these authentic locally produced goods have a unique taste and will be a great reminder of a holiday in Guadeloupe. Finally, they are great gifts to friends and family.