Morne-à-l'Eau cemetery

Internationally renowned for its size and distinct aesthetic, the Morne-à-l'Eau cemetery perfectly reflects the culture of mourning in Guadeloupe. Covered in black and white checkerboard patterns, the tombs overlooking the village blend into one another. To date, no one knows for sure why this pattern was chosen: "We can see the opposition of yin and yang, life and death," interprets Guy Nouvier, president of the Association for the Protection and Promotion of Morne-à-l'Eau Heritage, "or perhaps it is because white is a symbol of mourning in Africa, and black in Europe: so here we find an marriage of both” (quote taken from an article in Destination Guadeloupe magazine # 4).

Beyond the checkered pattern, the design of the tombs themselves is astonishing. Multi-storied, some with bay windows, other with sloped roofs, each tomb is unique to its neighbour. Some families even use architects to design these final resting places.

Should you end up in Guadeloupe during the festival of Toussaints (All Saints), do take time to visit the Morne-à-l'Eau cemetery on the evening of November 1st and 2nd. Families gather here to take part in the festive atmosphere, the cemetery lit up by hundreds of candles.

Open Monday to Saturday, 7:00 am - 6:30 pm Sunday and holidays, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
On the 1st and 2nd of November each year, the Morne-à-l'Eau cemetery is open for the full two days to celebrate the holiday.