The construction of different peoples from the Caribbean to Africa and India in Guadeloupe

The first inhabitants : the Amerindians

The first inhabitants of Guadeloupe, the Arawaks, then the Kalinagos, left a lasting imprint on local culture. Although these populations disappeared in their original form with European colonization, their heritage is found in place names, certain agricultural techniques like cassava cultivation, and a spiritual influence on the conception of nature.

The African contribution

The massive arrival of Africans reduced to slavery, from the 17ᵗʰ century onward, deeply marked Guadeloupe. These men and women, torn from their lands, brought agricultural know‑how, culinary traditions and cultural expressions like gwo ka music and traditional dances.

• African culture in daily life : Dishes made with yam, cassava, or colombo have their roots in Africa.
• Resilience and resistance : Slave revolts and the legacy of figures like Louis Delgrès testify to the struggle for freedom and dignity.

The Indian workers

Indian community

Indians arrived in Guadeloupe between 1854 and 1888, under the indentured labour system introduced after the abolition of slavery in 1848. This system, established by colonists to address the shortage of labour on plantations, led to the arrival of nearly 40,000 contract workers mainly from the Tamil Nadu and Bihar regions of India.

The Indian indentured workers worked mainly in sugar‑cane plantations, performing arduous tasks under conditions often difficult and poorly paid. Despite these hardships, the Indian community managed to preserve its cultural and religious traditions. Today, this heritage is manifested through Hindu temples, religious ceremonies such as Divali, and elements of local gastronomy like colombo, a dish of Indian origin adapted to Caribbean flavours.

The Indian community, though integrated into Guadeloupean society, has maintained a strong cultural identity. It has enriched the island’s cultural diversity while playing a significant role in its economic and social development. Today, places like the temples in Capesterre‑Belle‑Eau or Saint‑François recall their contribution and lasting heritage in Guadeloupe.

The Europeans

European settlers, mainly French, structured Guadeloupean society around the plantation economy. They introduced the sugar monoculture system and imposed an economic model based on land exploitation and enslaved populations. European influence remains strong through language, the Catholic religion, and certain traditions.

Mainland French

French people from mainland France, or “Français d’origine hexagonale”, have played a key role in Guadeloupe’s history since its colonization by France in 1635. The first settlers, sent by the Compagnie des Îles d’Amérique, established plantations and administrative structures that shaped the island’s political and economic organisation.

After the abolition of slavery in 1848, the arrival of officials, military personnel, and teachers from the mainland reinforced the French presence in administration and public institutions. These migrations continued to grow in the 20ᵗʰ century with departmentalization in 1946, which led to closer integration of Guadeloupe into the French Republic.

Today, mainland French represent a significant part of the active population in key sectors such as public service, education, health, and tourism. Their presence is often associated with the diffusion of French republican culture and values, although it has sometimes caused tensions because of perceived inequalities between metropolitan arrivals and locally born Guadeloupeans.

Mainland French have also contributed to the cultural enrichment of the island, notably through cuisine, architecture, and cultural events. Their presence in Guadeloupe, while an important component of the social fabric, also reflects the complex historical and political dynamics between the island and mainland France.

Guadeloupe, as a crossroads of the Americas, has over the centuries welcomed various foreign communities, each contributing to the island’s cultural and social richness.

Afro‑Caribbeans from other islands

Besides Haitians, Guadeloupe has welcomed migrants from neighbouring Caribbean islands such as Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Martinique, and Antigua and Barbuda. These migratory movements, often motivated by economic reasons, have strengthened cultural and linguistic ties among the islands. Cultural exchanges include music (zouk, reggae) and shared culinary traditions.

Haitian community

Since the 1970s, Guadeloupe has seen the arrival of Haitian migrants attracted by economic opportunities superior to those offered in their home country. These migrants have mainly integrated into agriculture, construction, and informal commerce. Despite often precarious living conditions and sometimes difficult integration, the Haitian community has preserved its cultural and religious traditions, enriching the Guadeloupean social fabric.

Dominican community (from Dominica)

Migrations from Dominica to Guadeloupe have been motivated by the search for better living and working conditions. Dominicans have primarily settled in rural areas, working in agriculture and small commerce. Their presence has reinforced cultural ties between the Caribbean islands, notably through the Creole language and common cultural practices.

Dominican Republic community

Although less numerous, the Dominican Republic community has also migrated to Guadeloupe, attracted by more favorable economic prospects. These migrants often work in construction, agriculture, and domestic services. They bring elements of Hispanic culture, contributing to the island’s cultural diversity.

Guyanese and Surinamese

Migratory flows from French Guiana and Suriname have also moved toward Guadeloupe, drawn by economic opportunity in construction, agriculture, and services industries. These groups bring linguistic and cultural diversity, notably through their Creole heritage and occasionally Dutch influence.

Cape Verdeans

Cape Verdeans, originally from the Cape Verde islands, also migrated to Guadeloupe in the 20ᵗʰ century, often attracted by jobs in agriculture and services. Their culture, born of Afro‑European mixing, has contributed to enriching the island’s cultural diversity.

The Portuguese

Although their presence is less sizeable, Portuguese migrants settled in Guadeloupe in the 19ᵗʰ and 20ᵗʰ centuries, often to work in agriculture or trade. They contributed to the local cultural and economic diversification.

Asian communities

Chinese community

The arrival of Chinese to Guadeloupe dates back to the early 20ᵗʰ century. Initially engaged as contract workers, many later moved into commerce, opening grocery stores and restaurants. The Chinese community, though discreet, has preserved its traditions while integrating into Guadeloupean society, contributing to the culinary and commercial diversity of the island.

Besides the Chinese, small Vietnamese and Japanese populations, though few in number, have settled in Guadeloupe, often in relation to trade or educational and cultural projects. Their influence remains discreet but appreciated, notably in the culinary field.

Syrian and Lebanese communities

Syrians and Lebanese began settling in Guadeloupe in the early 20ᵗʰ century, fleeing political and economic troubles in their countries of origin. They mainly turned to commerce, establishing shops and family businesses. Their integration was facilitated by strong community networks, and they contributed to the local economy while enriching the cultural landscape of the island.

These different waves of migration have shaped contemporary Guadeloupe, making the island a true melting pot of varied cultures and traditions. Each community, by preserving its specificities while integrating into the local social fabric, has helped build a rich and plural Guadeloupean identity.

In addition to the communities already mentioned (Haitians, Dominicans, Chinese, Indians, Syrians, Lebanese, and mainland French), there are others who have marked Guadeloupean society :

Reunionese and other ultramarine French

Migrants from other overseas departments and regions, such as Réunion or Mayotte, came to Guadeloupe attracted by professional or educational opportunities. Though few in number, they bring distinct cultural specificities, reinforcing the ultramarine French identity on the island.

Monuments

Acte memorial (Pointe‑à‑Pitre)

The ACTe Memorial Museum explores the multiple origins of Guadeloupe’s inhabitants, with a special emphasis on the slave trade and its consequences.

La Grivelière plantation (Vieux‑Habitants)

The Habitation la Grivelière is a historic site offering insight into plantation organisation and the roles played by different communities.

Hindu temples (Saint‑François, Capesterre‑Belle‑Eau)

These still active temples testify to the presence and influence of Indo‑Guadeloupeans on the island.

Why visit these places ?

They allow for a better understanding of Guadeloupe’s history and cultural richness, while honouring the memories of the communities that shaped the island.

Practical tips

When exploring the island’s emblematic sites, a few practical tips can enrich your experience. At the ACTe Memorial, using an audio guide is strongly recommended for a deep immersion into the history and themes presented. At La Grivelière plantation, choose a guided tour that will plunge you into the captivating details of life on a former coffee plantation. As for the Hindu temples, it is essential to respect these places of worship and local practices for a visit marked by serenity and

consideration.

For visitors with disabilities, know that the ACTe Memorial is fully accessible, offering adapted facilities. However, at La Grivelière plantation, access is limited due to its rough terrain. Finally, in the Hindu temples, certain areas may present access difficulties, requiring particular care.

FAQ

What are the main origins of Guadeloupe’s inhabitants ? Guadeloupeans are mainly of African, Indian, European and Caribbean origin, reflecting a rich diversity.

How are Indian traditions preserved in Guadeloupe ? They are visible in cuisine, Hindu temples, and religious festivals like Divali.

Is the African influence still strong today ? Yes, it shows through music (gwo ka), cuisine, and family traditions.

List of activities to do nearby

• Pointe‑à‑Pitre market : About a 10‑minute walk from the ACTe Memorial, ideal to discover local products.
• Écrevisses waterfall (Petit‑Bourg) : About a 30‑minute drive from the Hindu temples of Capesterre‑Belle‑Eau.
• Raisins Clairs beach (Saint‑François) : About a 15‑minute drive from the Hindu temples, for a relaxing break after a cultural visit.