Guadeloupe Caribbean Rum and Food Festival (2027 dates tbc)
05 Feb 2027 – 06 Feb 2027
a taste of Guadeloupe in Sainte-Rose
For sailors cruising Guadeloupe, the Caribbean Rum & Food Festival is a good opportunity to step ashore and discover some of the flavours, people and creative energy that shape the French Caribbean.
Held in Sainte-Rose, the festival brings together rum producers from across the region, Guadeloupe-based chefs, local artisans and music. Visitors can explore Caribbean rums, attend culinary demonstrations and workshops, browse the artisan market, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as the day moves into an evening of live music.
More than a tasting event, it is a chance to approach Caribbean food and rum culture with curiosity: to meet the people behind local products, learn about their craft, and experience the diversity of traditions found from one island to another.
If you are sailing nearby, consider adding a stop in Sainte-Rose to your itinerary — and remember to enjoy responsibly before returning to the water.
Planning your visit: practical information for visitors
If you are thinking of attending the festival during your stay in Guadeloupe, here is a practical overview to help you organise your visit.
Tickets and admission
Tickets can be purchased on site at the entrance, provided the event is not already sold out.
Your admission includes access to regional rum tastings and local products until 19:00, stage activities, masterclasses, and access to the pool area.
Children under 18 enter free of charge when accompanied by a responsible adult, though please note that there are no dedicated activities or entertainment tailored specifically for young children.
Food and extra workshops
While general tastings and masterclasses are included with your ticket, on-site food is not. Six distinct food stands run by local chefs offer a variety of choices, from traditional Guadeloupean dishes to comforting staples like grilled meats and bokits (outside food and drinks are not permitted on the premises). Speciality workshops, such as cigar masterclasses and blind rum tastings, are accessible for an additional modest fee with registration at the entrance. For stage-side culinary workshops with tastings, seating operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended.
Getting there and on-site practicalities
The festival venue is accessible by car. Parking spaces are limited, making carpooling or taxis the preferred option if you are coming ashore from your boat or charter base. Credit card payment terminals are available throughout the site, though keeping some cash on hand is wise in case of mobile network interruptions. The event is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, but do keep in mind that the entire venue is outdoors on grass. Non-alcoholic drinks, coffee masterclasses, craft stalls, and sunset DJ sets ensure a welcoming experience for both rum connoisseurs and non-drinkers alike.