Christmas

What are the origins and traditions of Christmas in Guadeloupe?

The Christmas traditions in Guadeloupe are rooted in a cultural blend of European, African, and Creole influences. Introduced by French colonists, religious celebrations such as midnight mass and Christmas carols were reinterpreted by the local population. African slaves, rich in musical culture and the spirit of sharing, transformed these customs by incorporating rhythms, Creole songs, and traditional instruments like the gwo ka drum.

This gave rise to the famous "Chanté Nwèl", where families and communities gather to sing Christmas carols in Creole in a festive atmosphere. Songs like "Nwèl ô, Nwèl ô, sa ou mandé mwen an ké ba’w" reflect the deep cultural fusion within Guadeloupean festive traditions. These singing sessions are both spiritual and convivial, combining Christian faith with local expression.

"Nwèl an tan lontan" refers to how Christmas was celebrated in Guadeloupe in the past. Festivities began on the first Sunday of Advent, with “Chanté Nwèl” gatherings where families and neighbors would sing Creole carols, often accompanied by traditional instruments like the ka.

These evening gatherings were opportunities to strengthen community bonds and share special homemade dishes. Preparations also included decorating homes with filao branches used as Christmas trees, adorned with cotton to mimic snow and handmade lights. Christmas Eve was marked by a feast featuring dishes such as boudin créole (Creole blood sausage), Christmas ham, and buttered bread—reflecting the richness of the local cuisine. This period was full of sharing, hospitality, and respect for ancestral customs, illustrating how Guadeloupe once celebrated Christmas.

Over time, these traditions have evolved, incorporating more local elements while preserving the essence of ancestral celebrations. The Advent period marks the start of the festivities, with events like Noël Kakadò in Vieux-Habitants.

Noël Kakadò: 30 years of tradition and heritage in Vieux-Habitants

Noël Kakadò, celebrated in Vieux-Habitants in Guadeloupe, is a traditional festival that will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025.

This celebration honors the Guadeloupean heritage, particularly that of Vieux-Habitants, a land rich in history and tradition.

The origins of Noël Kakadò trace back to the “Bouquet Ceremony,” which marked the end of the coffee harvest. Traditionally, in November, women picked coffee while the men worked elsewhere. At harvest’s end, the plantation manager would organize the ceremony on the last Friday of November. Workers presented a symbolic bouquet—coffee branches adorned with ripe cherries. A woman would be chosen to organize the first Christmas nativity scene and would select a man from the group to assist her. Noël Kakadò was born from this tradition, with a King and Queen symbolizing the power of the imaginary bouquet, promoting reconciliation and unity among workers.

The event also highlights agricultural transformation by creating customary products and showcasing local gastronomy, such as pork, rice, and seasonal spirits, appreciated by both locals and tourists. The religious roots of the festival underscore the importance of the sacred in social cohesion, through unifying symbols and rituals.

A central element of the celebration is the “déboulé-chaltouné.” The chaltouné, essential before the towns were lit by ASPEDEG (now EDF), is a torch made from a bamboo knot filled with kerosene and a cotton wick kept soaked to maintain the flame at night. During Christmas time, residents would go door to door singing carols and bèlè songs. Groups would often cross paths, their torches lighting up the night, creating the now-famous déboulé. At Noël Kakadò, everything begins with this spectacular déboulé-chaltouné, leading up to the coronation of the King and Queen of Kakadò. The torches light up the night as speeches are delivered, creating a festive and friendly atmosphere. The procession starts at the far end of the neighborhood and grows as others join the festive crowd. During the ceremony, one woman passes the bouquet to another, who will organize the next nativity scene the following Friday—a joyful, continuous ritual.

Each Kakadò nativity scene draws around 8,000 people, and the final bèlè attracts up to 10,000 participants. It’s an all-encompassing event—music, clothing, cuisine, and drinks—all rich with cultural significance. That’s why the Queen of Kakadò wears a white dress and a two-piece head wrap, adorned with a branch of ripe coffee cherries, symbolizing the link to sociocultural heritage. The celebration spans three generations: the elder couple, children named prince and princess, and finally the King and Queen, ensuring the tradition lives on.

At the heart of this movement is a legendary figure: Madame Médélice Baptista, known as Médé, whose talent as a bèlè singer transcended borders. Her eloquence and unmatched improvisation naturally captivated crowds. She reigned over Noël Kakadò from 1995 to 2018. No Noël Kakadò passes without her songs being sung!

In 2025, as Noël Kakadò marks its 30th anniversary, the town of Vieux-Habitants plans special celebrations. Residents and visitors are invited to honor this tradition that continues to strengthen the region's cultural identity and promote its rich heritage.

Christmas culinary festivities in Guadeloupe

In Guadeloupe, Christmas festivities are marked by a rich culinary tradition where meat preparation and communal sharing are central. One of the star dishes is the Christmas ham, a festive table centerpiece. This ham is carefully prepared—often with family recipes passed down through generations—then roasted and glazed with pineapple slices, creating a sweet and savory delight.

Another must-try is pork stew, also known as cochon roussi. This specialty is made from pork marinated in local spices and slowly simmered until tender and flavorful. It’s traditionally served with pigeon peas (pois d’Angole) and local vegetables, reflecting the abundance of local produce.

Meat preparations begin well before the celebrations. Families gather to marinate the meat using unique spice blends and cooking techniques. This is more than a culinary process—it’s a moment of sharing knowledge and strengthening family bonds.

Sharing is at the heart of Christmas in Guadeloupe. Meals are opportunities for families, friends, and neighbors to gather around large tables where everyone contributes a dish. This tradition of sharing reinforces community ties and reflects the island's communal spirit. Chanté Nwèl gatherings—dedicated to singing Creole Christmas carols—are also perfect times to enjoy these traditional dishes, often accompanied by local drinks like Shrubb (a coconut or passion fruit liqueur made with rum).

Thus, Guadeloupe’s Christmas culinary celebrations are a showcase of local gastronomy, friendliness, and generosity—highlighting the island’s rich culture.

How is Christmas celebrated in Guadeloupe?

Christmas celebrations in Guadeloupe, especially "Chanté Nwèl", traditionally begin with the start of Advent—around four weeks before Christmas. This is a time of spiritual and festive preparation for the birth of Christ.

The first Chanté Nwèl typically begin in late November or early December, depending on the community. These events continue throughout December and intensify as Christmas Eve (December 24th) approaches. Festivities peak with midnight mass, where carols echo through churches, followed by festive family meals.

Christmas in Guadeloupe features a series of rich traditions. Chanté Nwèl evenings bring together families and friends to sing Creole carols, accompanied by traditional instruments like the gwo ka. These gatherings often begin with the Advent season and include local dishes like boudin créole, pineapple-glazed ham, and Shrubb, a rum-based drink.

Tradition and modernity

Colorful, lively Christmas markets offer a deep dive into local crafts and culinary specialties. Towns like Baie-Mahault host events like “Jou a Tradisyon.”

The “Jou a Tradisyon” is a major annual event held in December at the Jarry Business Park in Baie-Mahault. It showcases agricultural, artisanal, culinary, and floral know-how from the island, featuring over 150 exhibitors who present a wide variety of local products—from crafts to gourmet delicacies. Organized by Cap Excellence in partnership with local business associations, this event draws thousands of visitors each year. It's filled with festive activities, traditional dance performances, and concerts—offering a complete immersion in Guadeloupean culture. The 19th edition took place on December 17, 2023, confirming the continued popularity of this major fair.

In Guadeloupe, the weeks leading up to Christmas are marked by Chanté Nwèl gatherings, where the community comes together to sing Creole Christmas carols. Shopping centers actively take part by hosting their own Chanté Nwèl, creating immersive cultural experiences for visitors.

For instance, on December 2, 2023, the Milénis shopping mall hosted the group ID-OR

for a Chanté Nwèl starting at 5 p.m., turning the mall into a place of celebration and sharing.

Retailers like Carrefour also tailor their offers to the season. From November 21 to December 3, 2023, Carrefour ran a “Chanté Noël” campaign with special promotions on traditional festive products.

Date	Event	Description
Late November	Start of Chanté Nwèl	The 'Chanté Nwèl' evenings generally begin in late November, marking the start of Christmas festivities in Guadeloupe. These community gatherings continue throughout December.
December 8	Noël Kakadò in Vieux-Habitants	This celebration highlights mountain traditions with markets, live nativity scenes, and cultural activities.
December 15	Jou a Tradisyon in Baie-Mahault	Major Christmas market promoting local agricultural, culinary, floral, and artisanal expertise of Guadeloupe islands.
Mid-December	Christmas Markets in Various Towns	Several towns organize Christmas markets showcasing local crafts and culinary specialties.
December 24	Christmas Eve and Midnight Masses	Families gather for Christmas Eve dinner, followed by Midnight Mass, a key moment of the celebrations.
December 25	Christmas Day	Day dedicated to family meals and the celebration of Christ’s birth.
January 6	Epiphany (Three Kings' Day)	Closure of Christmas festivities with specific traditions, including tasting the King Cake.

Tips for visitors

To fully enjoy the Christmas festivities in Guadeloupe, plan your trip in December when the weather is pleasant and events are plentiful. Attending Chanté Nwèl is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Be sure to visit Christmas markets to discover local crafts and cuisine. Midnight mass offers a spiritual perspective, while tasting traditional dishes like boudin créole and Christmas ham will enrich your culinary experience.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the importance of Christmas in Guadeloupe? Christmas is one of the most important holidays in Guadeloupe, marked by family gatherings, religious celebrations, and cultural sharing.

What are the traditional Christmas dishes in Guadeloupe? Typical dishes include boudin créole, pineapple-glazed ham, matété (crab rice), and drinks like passion fruit punch or coconut punch.

What is a “Chanté Nwèl”? It’s a festive evening where people sing Creole Christmas carols together, accompanied by traditional instruments, and share local dishes.

What are the major Christmas events in Guadeloupe? In addition to Chanté Nwèl, events like Noël Kakadò in Vieux-Habitants and Christmas markets across the island are highlights of the season.