At a glance

• Weeks of Sunday "vidé" parades building to Dimanche Gras, Lundi Gras, the massive Mardi Gras road march, and Ash Wednesday's black-and-white farewell
• A soundtrack of gwo ka (skin drums), brass, whistles and conch shells, plus soca, zouk and kompa echoing around every corner
• Costume culture that blends tradition and creativity: leaf-and-fiber "groupes à peau", devilish reds on Mardi Gras, themed troupes, and glittering queens
• Signature Guadeloupe traditions: the mock "Mariage burlesque" on Monday, the burning of Roi Vaval on Ash Wednesday, and hypnotic night processions
• Island flavors powering the parade route—bokit sandwiches, accras, boudin créole, and ti’ punch with agricole rum

Key dates

• Season opens: January 1, 2026 – Carnival vibes begin and Sunday parades roll out across the communes
• Sunday Parades (Vidé): Every Sunday afternoon from early January through mid-February 2026 in towns like Pointe-à-Pitre, Le Gosier, Le Moule, Sainte-Anne and Basse-Terre
• Competitions & Queen/King pageants: Late January to early February 2026 (TBA) – costume, drumline, and troupe contests on various stages
• Children’s Parade: Early February 2026 (TBA) – little masqueraders take over with mini-mas magic
• Dimanche Gras (Grand Sunday): February 15, 2026 – Big parade and judging in Pointe-à-Pitre
• J’ouvert (pre-dawn): February 16, 2026 – Before sunrise in several towns; expect paint, powder, drums and delirious dawn dancing
• Lundi Gras (Carnival Monday): February 16, 2026 – Street "vidé" and the satirical "Mariage burlesque" in many communes
• Mardi Gras (Carnival Tuesday): February 17, 2026 – Monumental parade in Basse-Terre; red devils, towering plumes, and final revelry
• Ash Wednesday (Mercredi des Cendres): February 18, 2026 – Black-and-white processions and the burning of Roi Vaval to close the season

How to get there

From Europe, the easiest gateway is Paris. Multiple daily non-stop flights from Paris Orly (ORY) to Pointe-à-Pitre Pôle Caraïbes (PTP) are offered by Air France, Air Caraïbes and Corsair. Flight time is typically 8.5–9 hours non-stop. Carnival season is peak demand—book early for better fares.

From the UK, the Netherlands or Germany, connect via Paris (often a change of airport from CDG to ORY—leave at least 3–4 hours). Total travel time from London, Amsterdam or Frankfurt usually runs 11–14 hours with the connection. Alternative routings include connecting via Saint Martin (SXM) or Martinique (FDF) then a short hop to PTP with Air Caraïbes or Air Antilles; in some seasons, connections via Montreal also exist.

Arrivals land at Pointe-à-Pitre Pôle Caraïbes (PTP), about 10–20 minutes from downtown Pointe-à-Pitre and 15–25 minutes from Le Gosier’s beaches. Taxis queue at the terminal (expect €20–€40 to nearby hotels). Car hire desks are in-terminal; self-driving is the most flexible way to bounce between parades on Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre. During big parade days, plan for road closures and extra time.

Where to stay

Le Gosier (beach + easy access): A sweet base for sun and mas. La Créole Beach Hotel & Spa and Mahogany Hotel Résidence & Spa put you close to both Pointe-à-Pitre’s parades and post-fete sea dips. Canella Beach Hotel is a solid mid-range pick with kitchenettes for budget control.

Pointe-à-Pitre (in the action): Stay steps from markets, food courts and Sunday circuits. Hôtel Saint John Perse is a central, simple option for those who want to walk to the route and feel the drumlines from your balcony.

Basse-Terre side (for Mardi Gras day): The grand Tuesday parade happens here. Boutique stays like Jardin Malanga (Trois-Rivières) or guesthouses around Basse-Terre put you close to the finale, with rainforest breezes and volcano views.

Deshaies & Sainte-Anne (scenic + chill): If you prefer quieter nights and day trips to parades, check Langley Resort Fort Royal (Deshaies) or luxe La Toubana Hotel & Spa (Sainte-Anne). You’ll trade a slightly longer drive for postcard beaches.

Playing mas

Playing mas in Guadeloupe means joining the heartbeat of the island—becoming part of a living drumline and a moving artwork. It’s not just feathers and beads; it’s roots. You’ll chip behind towering bass drums, sing call-and-response, wave your rag, and laugh with strangers who feel like family by sunset.

Choosing a band: Guadeloupe has two main styles: the traditional groupes à peau (skin-drum ensembles) like Akiyo and Voukoum—think organic costumes with madras, leaves, raffia and cowrie shells—and the modern/traditional troupes with brass, snare lines and themed outfits closer to a classic parade band. The former is hypnotic and percussive; the latter brings big melodies and bold colors. Follow bands on social and pick the vibe that moves you.

How to join: Reach out directly via social media or contact forms. For Akiyo or Voukoum, expect to attend a pre-parade meetup or rehearsal (répétitions) to learn the flow. T-shirt or full-costume sections typically run from about €100–€350, with premium themed sections from €350–€700 depending on materials and inclusions. Traditional skin-drum groups may have more modest fees for membership/kit (sometimes €30–€120) and ask you to assemble parts of your costume (headwrap, fabric, comfortable dark shorts) to match the theme.

Registration & deadlines: Spaces for foreign visitors are welcomed but limited—aim to register by late January 2026 at the latest, earlier if you want a specific costume section. You’ll usually submit your details online, choose your section, pay a deposit (transfer/credit card), and collect your costume the week of the parade. Keep ID and payment confirmation handy when picking up.

What parade day feels like: Dawn light, bass drums warming up, and coffee mingling with incense and hair spray. You’ll meet your band for check-in, a light bite and wristbands; trucks line up and the riddim drops. Expect hours on the road with water stops, shade breaks and judging points. The sun is strong—pace your wining, rotate dance-shuffle with strolls, and don’t miss the moment the whole street sings back to the drum call.

First-timer tips: Wear well-broken-in sneakers; carnival in Guadeloupe is a marathon, not a sprint. Bring a soft hydration pack and cash for street snacks (bokits, accras, coconut water). A bandana, earplugs and sunscreen will save your day. If you’re joining a groupe à peau, embrace simplicity—less glitter, more spirit. And remember, a smile is your best costume piece.

Budget

Book flights as soon as the season is announced—carnival week seats fill fast and prices climb. If you can, be flexible on departure day; midweek flights can run cheaper than weekend returns.

Staying in Le Gosier or Pointe-à-Pitre saves on taxis during parade days. Apartments with kitchens help balance the budget—breakfast at home, lunch on the route (bokit, accras), and one nice dinner out.

Joining a traditional groupe à peau can be a culturally rich and more affordable way to play mas; you’ll spend less on feathers and more time drumming and dancing. If you’re set on a premium themed costume, register early and set aside funds for alterations/comfort add-ons (gel insoles, hydration pack).

Cash is still king at many food stalls—carry small bills and coins. ATMs are available in town centers, but lines can be long on big parade days.

Getting around & connectivity

Car rental is the most flexible way to hop between events on Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre. Traffic thickens on parade afternoons and major nights—arrive early, use official car parks, and expect detours around the route. Designate a driver if you’re enjoying ti’ punch; police checkpoints are common and safety comes first.

Urban buses around Pointe-à-Pitre/Les Abymes (Karulis network) run reliably on weekdays, less frequently on evenings, Sundays and holidays. They’re useful for short hops but seldom align perfectly with parade timing. Intercity buses exist but are limited late at night.

Taxis are straightforward from the airport and hotel areas; agree the fare before you ride. Ride-hailing is limited—don’t depend on it when the drums call. On parade days, the best way is often to park and walk; comfy shoes beat gridlock every time.

For island-hopping side trips, ferries to Les Saintes and Marie-Galante depart from Pointe-à-Pitre and Trois-Rivières. They’re a blissful breather between fetes.

Climate & packing

Weather: January–February is Guadeloupe’s dry season—think 23–29°C days, warm evenings, high UV, and brief, refreshing showers. Humidity is friendly but the sun is not shy; bring shade strategy and hydrate like a pro.

Pack for the road: Lightweight, breathable clothing; a wide-brim hat or bandana; and well-broken-in sneakers that can handle 8+ hours of chippin’. A small hydration pack or collapsible bottle is your best friend between rum stops. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a portable phone battery.

Mas essentials: Nude/skin-tone dance tights, body tape, and a discreet waist pouch for ID/cash. If you’ll join paint/powder or mas a siwo-style revelry, bring an old T-shirt, baby wipes, a small towel and a bit of oil or lotion to help remove residue. For traditional groups, a headwrap or madras scarf is both practical and stylish.

Forgot something? Markets and pharmacies in Pointe-à-Pitre and Le Gosier stock basics; beach shops carry flip-flops, hats and sunscreen. Electrical outlets are Type E (230V)—Europeans are set; UK travelers need an adapter.

Sample plan

1. Wednesday (Feb 11): Land in PTP, check into Le Gosier, and shake out the jet lag with a sunset dip at Datcha Beach. Dinner is a hot, crispy bokit stuffed with saltfish and pepper sauce—fuel for the week ahead.
2. Thursday (Feb 12): Ease into island rhythm. Wander Pointe-à-Pitre’s spice-scented Marché aux Épices and visit the waterfront Memorial ACTe for powerful context on Caribbean history. Evening: catch a gwo ka léwoz drum gathering—your first taste of the heartbeat.
3. Friday (Feb 13): Costume pickup and last-minute accessories. Grab accras and a fresh coconut, then a breezy beach hour in Sainte-Anne. Nighttime brings your first fete—zouk slow wines, soca jump-ups, and new friends from every corner of the globe.
4. Saturday (Feb 14): Road-trip Basse-Terre’s rainforest—waterfalls at Les Chutes du Carbet or a Soufrière viewpoint—then back in time for an evening rehearsal with your troupe. Early night; the big days are coming.
5. Dimanche Gras (Feb 15): Pointe-à-Pitre goes full technicolor. Meet your band by late morning, pin on your number, and roll through judging points to brass blasts and conch calls. Street eats between laps, then cool down by the marina as the sun melts into gold.
6. J’ouvert & Lundi Gras (Feb 16): Before dawn, you’re paint-spattered and grinning under streetlights, moving to booming bass drums. Nap, shower, then rejoin for Monday’s playful "Mariage burlesque"—satire, cross-dressed brides, laughter echoing down every lane.
7. Mardi Gras (Feb 17): Basse-Terre’s grand parade: red devils swagger, queens shimmer, and the drums don’t quit. It’s the cathartic crescendo—pace yourself, sip water, and take mental snapshots you’ll treasure forever.
8. Ash Wednesday (Feb 18): Dress in black and white. Follow the mourning procession as Roi Vaval is burned, smoke curling into the trade winds. The music softens, the crowd exhales—carnival closes with grace and goosebumps.

Official links & useful resources

• Official Guadeloupe Carnival
• Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Board
• Pôle Caraïbes Airport (PTP)
• Akiyo (groupe à peau) – Facebook
• Voukoum (groupe à peau) – Facebook
• Express des Îles Ferries (regional)
• Karulis Urban Bus Network
• Memorial ACTe (museum)
• Practical Information – Tourism Board