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Carnival in Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe's Carnival is unique because it is the only one that finishes on Ash Wednesday. Groups start their Carnival rehearsal from January, especially on the weekends, by disguising in costumes to dance and sing on the streets. Carnival reaches fever pitch between Shrove Sunday and Ash Wednesday when it seems that everybody gets into the action.
Shrove Sunday begins with parades, costumes, dancing, masquerades and exciting merriment on the streets. The theme of the parades changes every year.
Shrove Tuesday seem to signal new regalia as the masqueraders dressed in pajamas dance all day long. The uniqueness of Guadeloupe is seen on Ash Wednesday as the streets are filled with revelers dressed up as he-and-she wolves in black and white. Carnival comes to a close on Ash Wednesday evening with the cremation of King Carnival "Vaval" along with the wailing crowds cries. The evening comes to a close with people dining and dancing. Carnival is revived for one day at Mid-Lent Thursday, which is midway between Carnival and Easter. Revelers dress up in red and black costumes, depicting themselves as devils.
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