Carnaval des Antilles 2026 promises yet more gwo-ka rhythms, glittering touloulous and decibel-filled parades. From January 6 (Epiphany) to February 18, 2026 (Ash Wednesday), the Antilles arc - Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Barth and even Saint-Martin- will be living carnival time. In this guide, discover the origins of the festival, the specificities of each island, the atmosphere on site, the 2026 program and some tips on where to stay without missing a second of the show.
What is Carnaval des Antilles?
Born in the XVIIᵉ s. from the mixture of Catholic Lent and African slave traditions, West Indian Carnival now stretches over six weeks, punctuated by vidés (parades), queen contests and jours gras (Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays).
The highlight: the cremation of Vaval, the cartoon king burned on Ash Wednesday to bury the year's excesses.
Good to know: in 2026, Mardi Gras falls on February 17, so take note!
The different carnivals: Guadeloupe, Martinique & co
Get your travel diary ready: each island adds its own color and decibel to the great carnival symphony of 2026.
Guadeloupe: "Mas a Po" and big bands
Every weekend, from Basse-Terre to Pointe-à-Pitre, the streets pulse with the taut skins of the gwoup a po: drums made of goatskin, improvised Creole songs and recycled costumes in a nod to the environment. As for the metal bands, they electrify the crowd with their XXL fanfare.
Petit Futé tip follow the Sunday evening parade on Rue Frébault, then grab a bokit at the night market before the final fireworks.
Martinique: burlesque weddings and red devils
Carnival in Martinique is all about street theater. On Lundi Gras, there are burlesque weddings: the bride sports a moustache and the groom parades in a crinoline - social satire guaranteed!
The following day, Mardi Gras, Fort-de-France is covered in scarlet magma as the red devils appear with their twisted horns, blood spangles and crackling torches. Linger at the 4:30 video (pajama parade) to experience dawn with a bang, then stop off at Rue de la Liberté for fresh cane juice and an impromptu bèlè.
Saint-Barth and Saint-Martin: chic, choc, choc
The port of Gustavia opens the ball on Carnival Mondayfebruary 16, 2026: yachts honk, confetti flies and Creole DJs mix soca-house at sunset.
Dress code? Grand-luxe sequins, French cabaret-style feathers and a tropical wink (pineapple or hummingbird) for the local touch. Further north, Marigot (Saint-Martin) celebrates excess. Discover the giant feather costume contest, steel bands on the waterfront and jumping up and down until dawn. As a bonus, the neighboring island serves up its rum culture in a giant shaker. Our travel ideas for rum lovers will suggest other sweet ports of call, from Cuba to Marie-Galante.
Petit Futé tip reserve a terrace overlooking Marigot Bay. It's the best spot to admire the parade while sipping a ti-punch passion.
Carnaval des Antilles 2026: general atmosphere, heat, drums and glitter
Expect 36°C at midday, gwo-ka music that vibrates until dawn, and a family crowd during the day. It gets more festive at night. And, to follow a videbe sure to bring light clothing, earplugs and a bottle of water. Parades often last three hours non-stop.
2026 program: dates and highlights
| Date | Island / City | Main event |
| jan 6 | Pointe-à-Pitre | Opening and election of queens |
| feb. 15 (Dimanche Gras) | Fort-de-France | Childrens' Void |
| feb 16 (Lundi Gras) | Basse-Terre | Burlesque weddings |
| feb. 17 (Mardi Gras) | All islands | Final parade and red devils |
| feb. 18th | All islands | Vaval cremation |
Onthe side : make-up workshops, gwoka competitions, DJ nights and, for epicureans, agricultural rum tastings will delight you.
Where to stay?
To make the most of the parades without sacrificing your nights, here's a selection of addresses tested by Petit Futé.
Pointe-à-Pitre / Le Gosier
- 4 stars
Put down your suitcases at the Mahogany Hôtel Résidence & Spa, 41 route des Hôtels: vast lagoon pool, fully-equipped studios and direct access to the Créole beach. Information and booking here.
- More affordable
Medium-budget guests will prefer La Maison Créole, an intimate address in the heart of a tropical garden. Click here to book your stay.
- For a more rootsy stay
Minimalist adventurers? Green Hostel, on Quai Lardenoy, offers air-conditioned dormitories and a shared kitchen two blocks from the port.
When the music dies down, take the opportunity to tick off a few of the 19 must-visit spots in Guadeloupe. We've listed such nuggets as the Soufrière waterfalls, the Cousteau reserve and the Saint-Antoine market in this "coup-de-cœur" guide.
And if you're still hesitating between the two Caribbean sisters, our Martinique or Guadeloupe? comparison definitely removes the doubt.
Good to know: If you stay at Le Gosier, you can reach Pointe-à-Pitre's night parades in just ten minutes by cab, while sleeping peacefully on the beach.
Fort-de-France
- Comfortable rooms and terrace
If you'd like to keep up with the hustle and bustle without sacrificing your siesta, book a room at theHôtel Bayfront. 12 renovated rooms face the Savane, and the Wi-Fi is very reliable for posting your stories.
- A high-end stay
Looking for a Creole cocoon? Foyal Suites offers cosy studios on rue Victor-Hugo. Book your stay now via this link.
- Family-friendly
Families will love the Centre International de Séjour, with its PRM-adapted rooms, self-service restaurant and free parking just a stone's throw from the Terminal inter-îles. Information and booking right here.
Then, between two drums, head off to explore Martinique's 22 most beautiful spots, from Anse-Noire to Mont Pelée. You'll see why the island is one postcard after another.
Basse-Terre
- Sea and mountain views
Set a course for authenticity with Paradis Tropical: bungalows perched in a ylang-ylang garden, views of La Soufrière and home-cooked breakfast. Book directly via this link.
- A stay in the heart of nature
For an eco-lodge feel, the Creole huts of West Indies Cottage nestle in a fragrant banana plantation. Are you a diving enthusiast? Information and booking here.
- Ideal for families
L'Eden des Colibris, in Vieux-Habitants, combines fully-equipped cottages with a black-sand creek 10 minutes away. Book your stay here.
Finally, rent a small city car and follow the Guadeloupe itinerary by car, a discovery at your own pace: volcano, waterfall, rum factory... the perfect road-trip between two parades.
Saint-Barth
- The luxury hotel
Looking for panoramic glitter? The Barthélemy Hotel & Spa plays the eco-friendly luxury card on Grand-Cul-de-Sac Bay. More information and booking here.
- Perfect for families
For tribes, Marla Villas rents charming residences with swimming pools in Gustavia. Epicureans will appreciate the marina's proximity to Caribbean-French fusion restaurants and quick access to the Carnival Monday fireworks.
Carnaval des Antilles 2026: practical information
Most direct flights from Paris-Orly ↔ Pointe-à-Pitre or Fort-de-France already offer fares from €550 return if booked before September 2025. Vaccinations: all clear, but make sure you have travel insurance to cover loss of costume!
Good to know you can take out your travel insurance directly on our partner's website and benefit from a 5% discount.
Where to enjoy the experience?
The biggest parades are held on rue Frébault (P-à-Pitre), avenue Général-de-Gaulle (Basse-Terre) and boulevard du Général-de-Gaulle (Fort-de-France). Our smart advice? Arrive two hours early for a front-row seat.
Carnaval des Antilles 2026: dates and program
Remember February 15-18, 2026 for the "jours gras". And, look out for official announcements as early as October 2025 for invited groups and float themes.
Carnaval des Antilles 2026 is waiting for you! Book your flight now. Book your nights in the accommodation that suits you best, and discover Petit Futé's Festival News Reports to live each video like a local. See you under the confetti!
