The Guadeloupe carnival — 2026 program

The holiday season is over. In Guadeloupe, every year, it marks the return of Carnival celebrations in the streets of the archipelago.

From the first Sunday in January, then every weekend until Ash Wednesday, Guadeloupe vibrates to the rhythm of drums, songs and parades.

But who are the Carnival groups? What are their differences? And above all, where and when to watch the unleashes in 2026? We explain everything to you.

A bit of history

Every year, from January 1 to Ash Wednesday, Carnival punctuates life in Guadeloupe. Parades, locally called “unravelled”, take over the streets of municipalities, day and night.

Arrived in Guadeloupe about 150 years ago, the Carnival was born from the mixture between European festive traditions and African cultures brought by slaves. Today, it is much more than just a festive event. It is a space for popular expression, where creativity, cultural identity and sometimes social protest are celebrated.

Every year, Vaval, the king of Carnival, incarnates in a caricatural way a significant fact of the news. His cremation, on Ash Wednesday, marks the official end of the festivities and the beginning of Lent.

The different carnival groups in Guadeloupe

The Guadeloupe Carnival is distinguished by the diversity of its groups. Each has its own codes, rhythms and visual identity.

Groups in Po — Gwoup a Po

They are the most traditional and iconic bands. They parade with skin drums, chachas (maracas in calabash) and conch shells.

Their music is powerful, rhythmic and deeply rooted in African heritage.

Examples: Akiyo, Voukoum, Vim.

Snare drum groups

These groups mix snare drums, brass and sometimes synthesizers. They are known for their precise rhythms, their meticulous choreography and their spectacular costumes.

Examples: Toumblack, Waka Chiré Band, Guimbo All Stars.

The “Ti Mas” groups

The Ti Mas mainly include the youngest. They wear cartoonish masks, often inspired by popular figures, such as the famous monkey mask.

They are frequently encountered on the side of the roads throughout the season. The donations collected are used to finance the costumes and the life of the group.

Examples: Mass Moul Massif, Ata Faya, TGM.

Synth groups

More contemporary, these groups incorporate electronic instruments: synthesizers, electric guitars, drum machines.

They participate in the evolution of Carnival and attract new generations.

Examples: Pikan, Ti Bwa, Phoenix.

Program of the 2026 Guadeloupe Carnival

Family and young children option:

If you are not very busy and have young children, the Jardin de Valombre offers the ideal option for families. The snare band Explosion V will be present at Jardin botanique de Valombre on Saturday, February 7 for a colorful parade in the garden paths.

Highlights by municipality

Outbreaks take place throughout the season, but each weekend puts one or more municipalities in the spotlight.

Note: Every Sunday, groups in Po parade in Pointe-à-Pitre.

Saturday 3 January

• Mas en Foli — Baie-Mahault Velodrome (5€)

• Presentation of Vaval — Basse-Terre, Jardins de l'Archipel

Sunday January 4

• Opening parade — Basse-Terre

• Parade of the Kings — Pointe-à-Pitre (4pm)

Sunday 11 January

• Guava Parade

• La Désirade Parade

Friday 16 January

• Volan an lari la — Basse-Terre

Saturday 17 January

• Terre-de-Bas Parade

• Déboulé Brèk-si-Brék — Basse-Terre

• Déboulé de Sainte-Anne

Sunday 18 January

• LIMA'S Parade — Sainte-Rose

• Masanblaje — Sainte-Anne

From Friday 23 to Sunday 25 January

Wiken Kiltiwèl Mas Ka Klé — Mas Lannuit — Les Abymes

Saturday 24 January

• Terre-de-Haut Parade

• Gozieval — Le Gosier

Sunday 25 January

• Kannaval Show — Pointe-Noire

• Moule en Folie — Le Moule

Friday 30 January

• Mas a Limye — Les Abymes

Sunday February 1st

• Old Habitants Parade

• Doubout for your gang video — Les Abymes

Tuesday 3 February

• Sports event — Baie-Mahault

Friday 6 February

• Children's parade — Pointe-à-Pitre

• Parad'haies night parade — Deshaies

• Gamm an Mas — Baie-Mahault

• Group thrashed in Po — Capesterre-Belle-Eau

Saturday 7 February

• Election of the King and Queen of the Carnival — Capesterre-Belle-Eau

• Children's carnival — Capesterre-Belle-Eau

• Children's carnival — Baie-Mahault

Sunday February 15 — Dimanche Gras

• Grand Sunday Gras parade — Pointe-à-Pitre

Monday, February 16 — Lundi Gras

• Light parade — Basse-Terre

• Merchants' parade — Basse-Terre

• Night parade — Saint-François

• CLSH parade — Pointe-à-Pitre

Tuesday, February 17 — Mardi Gras

• Giga parade Maestro — Basse-Terre

• Group clashes in Po — Pointe-à-Pitre

• Kagwimas — Abymes & Pointe-à-Pitre

Wednesday 18 February — Ash Wednesday

• Baile Laval — Pointe-à-Pitre

• Closing podium — Place de la Victoire

And after the carnival?

Ash Wednesday marks the end of Carnival and the start of Lent.

Mid-Carême, celebrated 20 days later, will take place this year on Thursday, March 12, with clashes in Basse-Terre and Pointe-à-Pitre.

Guadeloupe then entered one of its most intense and vibrant periods.

If you want to extend the nature experience after the festivities, also discover our article on family vacations surrounded by nature in Guadeloupe.

Ready to see Guadeloupe in turmoil?

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