Easter in Guadeloupe: 5 Must-See Traditions
Forget (for a moment) about chocolate eggs! If you’re lucky enough to be staying at a hotel in Guadeloupe during the Easter holidays, you’ll discover a celebration unlike any other.
Here, Easter is a unique blend of religious fervor, massive family gatherings on the beaches, and a one-of-a-kind culinary scene where the undisputed star has claws.
To plan your stay at one of the Hotels and Islands, here is everything you need to know about this Guadeloupean tradition.
1. Crab hunting: The countdown has begun
The Easter tradition in Guadeloupe begins well before the big day, starting at the beginning of Lent (about 40 days beforehand). Guadeloupean families arm themselves with flashlights and "ratières" (wooden traps called zattrap) to catch the famous land crabs at nightfall, often near the mangroves.
A local tidbit: Once caught, the crabs aren’t eaten right away! They’re placed in “quarantine” in boxes and carefully fed every day (breadfruit leaves, coconut, chili peppers, sugarcane) to purge them and infuse their meat with flavor.
2. Crab Matété: The Star of the Easter Meal
On Easter Sunday and Monday, the bells don’t just bring chocolate—they ring in the time for crab matété. It’s the quintessential traditional Creole dish par excellence.
This is a stew that simmers for hours, in which the crabs are cooked in a thick sauce made with shallots, parsley, garlic, tomatoes, vegetarian chili peppers, and colombo spices, before rice is added to absorb all the flavors. Traditionally, this hearty dish is not eaten indoors, but outdoors, shared with family or friends.
3. Beach camping: a true institution
If you take a stroll along the beaches of Guadeloupe over Easter weekend, you’ll witness a fascinating sight. Weeks in advance, locals scout out and “reserve” the best spots under the raisin trees by staking out tarps.
From Good Friday to Easter Monday, the beaches are transformed into massive pop-up villages. Tents are pitched, generators are set up, along with hammocks, large tables, and huge pots simmering over wood fires. The atmosphere is exceptional: the sound of the Gwoka drum echoes, people play dominoes on folding tables, sing, and swim until sunset.
4. Good Friday: Devotion and Cod Fritters
Guadeloupe is an island with deep-rooted Catholic traditions. Good Friday (the Friday before Easter Sunday) is a day of deep reflection and is often effectively a holiday. Many Guadeloupeans take part in the Stations of the Cross, which wind through the island’s hills from dawn.
It is also a day of partial fasting during which meat is forbidden. It is an opportunity to enjoy the famous cod fritters, vegetable fritters (pumpkin, taro), or grilled fish.
5. Experience the magic of Easter with Des Hôtels et des Îles
Attending the Easter celebrations is the best way to experience the spirit of Guadeloupe. To fully immerse yourself in this cultural experience while enjoying the utmost comfort, the Des Hôtels et des Îles properties are ideally located.
Whether you choose the laid-back atmosphere of Grande-Terre or the natural beauty of Basse-Terre, our staff will be happy to help you. They’ll show you the most beautiful beaches with turquoise waters to experience the Easter spirit, and our chefs will also treat you to local delicacies inspired by this holiday.
Want to celebrate Easter in the tropics? Don't wait any longer to plan your next trip to Guadeloupe.
At Easter, Guadeloupe blends religious traditions, festive gatherings on the beaches, and local cuisine centered around crab, offering a unique and welcoming cultural experience.
