Cultural and historical discoveries in Guadeloupe
Schoelcher Museum
Located in Pointe-à-Pitre, the Musée Schoelcher is dedicated to Victor Schoelcher, a fervent advocate of the abolition of slavery. The museum offers a deep dive into the history of slavery in the French West Indies, and showcases Schoelcher's life and achievements. Exhibits include period objects, historical documents and works of art that illustrate the history of the abolition of slavery and Creole culture. It's a must-see for a better understanding of Guadeloupe's social and cultural history.
Fort Delgrès
Fort Delgrès, located in Basse-Terre, is one of Guadeloupe's major historical monuments. Built in the 17th century, the fort played a crucial role in the island's defense against invasion. It is also associated with the resistance against slavery, notably the story of Louis Delgrès, a local hero who led a rebellion against Napoleonic forces. When visiting the fort, you can explore its bastions, casemates and tunnels while enjoying spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. Explanatory panels and exhibits will help you understand the historical significance of this site.
Maison de la Mangrove
The Maison de la Mangrove, located in Morne-à-l'Eau, is an interpretation center dedicated to the mangrove, an ecosystem vital to Guadeloupe. The center offers interactive exhibits on the ecological and economic importance of the mangrove, as well as the cultural traditions associated with this environment. Visitors can also take part in guided kayak or boat excursions through the mangrove, discovering the unique flora and fauna of this habitat. It's an educational and enriching experience that highlights the relationship between nature and culture in Guadeloupe.
Écomusée de Marie-Galante
The Écomusée de Marie-Galante is another not-to-be-missed cultural site. Located on the island of Marie-Galante, this eco-museum presents the island's history and culture through exhibitions on agriculture, the sugar industry and local traditions. Historical objects, photographs and documents tell the story of the island from colonial times to the present day. The ecomuseum also organizes workshops and demonstrations of traditional skills, such as rum-making and Creole cooking. Memorial ACTe The Memorial ACTe, also in Pointe-à-Pitre, is a Caribbean center of expression and memory of the slave trade and slavery. This state-of-the-art museum offers an immersive approach to the history of the slave trade and slavery, focusing on the individual stories and experiences of slaves. Exhibits use interactive technologies and multimedia to engage visitors and raise awareness of this dark period in history. The Memorial ACTe is also a dynamic cultural center, hosting temporary exhibitions, artistic performances and conferences.
Fête des Cuisinières
The Fête des Cuisinières is a major cultural event in Guadeloupe. This annual festival, celebrated on August 10, pays tribute to the island's women cooks, the guardians of Creole culinary traditions. During this celebration, the women cooks, dressed in their colorful traditional costumes, parade through the streets of Pointe-à-Pitre with baskets of food they have prepared. The festival also includes masses, food blessings, dances and tastings of traditional dishes. It's a unique opportunity to discover the richness of Guadeloupe's culinary culture and take part in a joyous, colorful celebration.
Guadeloupe Carnival
The Guadeloupe Carnival is one of the most important and eagerly awaited cultural events of the year. Running from January to March, Carnival is an explosion of color, music and dance. Festivities include spectacular parades, costume contests, masked balls and drum group competitions. Carnival is a celebration of Guadeloupe's Creole culture and African heritage, and a time of joy and conviviality for locals and visitors alike.
Les Habitants Sucriers
A visit to the Habitants Sucriers is another enriching cultural experience. These former sugar cane plantations, now transformed into museums or interpretation centers, offer a glimpse into the island's sugar history. Here you can discover how sugar and rum are produced, visit windmills and distilleries, and learn more about the lives of sugar cane workers. It's an opportunity to understand the impact of the sugar industry on Guadeloupe's economy and culture.