The tradition was respected this Thursday of Mid-Lent in Guadeloupe: the carnival lovers were in the streets of cities like Basse-Terre and Pointe-à-Pitre as well as communes to sing, dance and play music. However, the carnival bands were fewer and the traditional colors – red and black – were not always respected.
This mid-term break in the 40 days of Lent was formely decided in a very religious Guadeloupe where it was strictly forbidden to eat meat and make noise but highly recommended to pray and fast during this period. Carnival after 20 days of Lent was a kind of breath of fresh air. It should be noted that, in the Caribbean, carnival parades in Mid-Lent exist only on our island.
This Thursday, as usual, all administrations and schools were closed, as well as shops, even some of them remained open in the morning. In the afternoon, carnival music began to be heard. However, the number of groups and spectators was much less important than during the carnival season. If this decrease continues, it is clear that, on that day, employers will ask employees to work and the Board of Education will find normal that pupils also return to school.
It must be said that Lenten deprivations are not as drastic as they used to be even if some people continue to pray and eat fish instead of meat. In addition, there was a change in the colors traditionally worn during the Mid-Lenten parades, namely red and black. Indeed, in recent years, some groups parade with various colors. However, one thing remains constant, it is the musical atmosphere that is always very hot. It should be noted that in Pointe-à-Pitre, on Thursday, there were two cruise ships so tourists had the opportunity to discover this carnival that took place in the afternoon and in the evening.
From now on, we have to wait until January 2019, date of King Vaval’s return.
