Culture and traditions
Guadalupe, until then called Karukera (the island of beautiful waters), was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 who renamed it in honor of the Virgin Santa María de Guadalupe in Extremadura (Spain).
The ancient inhabitants of the island were the Carib and Arawak Indians. Years after the arrival of the Spanish discoverers, French people colonized and exploited the production of sugar cane using African slave labor, until the abolition of slavery in 1848.
Its streets, its traditions and its cultural manifestations are a reflection of the strength of its people and its deep history.
The current population, well known for its Caribbean and hospitable character, traces its origins to the cultural mix of descendants of the first inhabitants, settlers and slaves.
The most anticipated event of the year for Guadeloupeans is the Carnival, which runs from the first Sunday in January until Ash Wednesday at the end of February. Almost two months of parades through the streets with colorful costumes, African and Caribbean rhythms, the smell of incense, and historical, political, cultural and current themes, often used as a way of vindication. A unique and incomparable event.
In July, the Gwoka festival is held in Sainte Anne, which is the name of the traditional African drum. Animations, concerts and dances to pay tribute to the heritage of the Antillean archipelago.
The cooks' festival is celebrated in August. After a mass, the cooks parade through the streets and then offer their Creole culinary specialties in an exquisite tasting. All this, of course, to the rhythm of music and the festive atmosphere that characterizes the island.
