FRG25 CAE – SHARE-Identity- Carnival Pointe à Pitre

The Pointe-à-Pitre Carnival is an emblematic celebration of Guadeloupe, marked by bright colors, captivating rhythms and exceptional popular fervor. This immersion offered teachers a unique opportunity to explore the different facets of this traditional festival and to understand its cultural and historical issues.

Teachers had the opportunity to attend a parade, carefully observing the different carnival groups, their flamboyant costumes and the diversity of musical rhythms. Particular attention was paid to traditional instruments such as the ka, the chacha and the drums, whose sounds enliven the festivities. They observed the different carnival groups, including the famous skin groups, and analyzed the symbolism present in the disguises and choreographies.

Carnival in Guadeloupe has its origins in the colonial period, when it was initially celebrated by European settlers according to the traditions of Mardi Gras. African slaves, although deprived of their freedom, appropriated this celebration by integrating their own cultural practices, rhythms and dances. This fusion gave birth to a unique carnival expression, symbolizing both resistance and Guadeloupean cultural identity. After the abolition of slavery in 1848, Carnival became a space for the affirmation of identity for Afro-descendant populations. It evolved over the decades by incorporating new musical elements, including Gwo Ka, drums, and traditional percussion. Today, the Guadeloupe Carnival is an unmissable event, structured around several highlights.

The immersion in the Pointe-à-Pitre Carnival was a significant experience, allowing teachers to fully immerse themselves in this living and festive tradition. Beyond the simple spectacle, they became aware of the identity, historical and social issues that make the Carnival an essential element of Guadeloupean heritage. This cultural adventure will remain a source of learning and inspiration for teachers, promoting their openness to diversity and creativity.