The patronal feasts are very popular events in the French West Indies that take place throughout the year. Each municipality celebrates its patron saint with games, sporting and cultural events animated by concerts by artists from the area, the island or even the Caribbean. The patron saint festivals taking place during the July-August period are the most popular because they take advantage of the presence of holidaymakers, locals or West Indians living in France when they return to their country.
The Virgin Mary and fishermen in the spotlight, on August 15 in Les Saintes
In Guadeloupe, one of the most notable patronal feasts is that of the Saintes which takes place on August 15.
The parish of Terre-de-Haut des Saintes was dedicated to the Virgin Mary in honor of the French victory for the possession of the Saintes, against the English troops, August 15, 1666, Assumption Day.
The Virgin Mary is also the patron saint of the fishermen of Les Saintes.
5 days of celebrations
The entire archipelago of Guadeloupe meets in Terre-De-Haut for celebrations that span five days.
Beginning on August 12, the party ends on the night of August 16 with a very beautiful fireworks display and a concert bringing together a set of artists among the most renowned in the region.
1972: beginning of the promotion of August 15th in Les Saintes
Originally a small communal, almost family event, the 15th of August in Terre-de-Haut has become over time the most popular festive event for Guadeloupeans.
It was from 1972 that we witnessed for the first time the promotion of the patronal feast and the disclosure of a program of activities.
We can read there that the great singer of gwoka, Guy Conquet as well as the Martinican artist David Martial (traditional music period before "Célimène") are the headliners.
From 1979: an unmissable and major event
Mais c’est à partir de 1979-1980, que la fête patronale du 15 août, dépasse les frontières des Saintes, et attire en masse, des visiteurs des autres îles de l’archipel guadeloupéen et d’ailleurs.
Going up a notch, the event will go so far as to become one of the most important budget items for the municipal treasury.
Budget restrictions and downward revision of the artists' plateau
Well aware of the potential tourism and financial manna, not to mention the notoriety that an event of such magnitude can bring, the successive municipal teams have all gone to excess, with ever heavier investments.
But for the small island of Terre-de-Haut, such a financial effort could only lead to a record budget deficit.
In recent years, due to budget restrictions, the organization of Les Saintes' Day has been more modest, far from the splendor of yesteryear, even if it is still very popular and attracts such a large audience.
Hurricane Irma, COVID-19….What future for the patronal feast of Les Saintes?
In 2018, the municipality of Terre de Haut, which suffered significant damage following the passage of Hurricane Maria in September 2017, opted for a shorter, more convivial and family-focused celebration.
The festivities were held over three days, from August 14 to 16, 2018 and highlighted competitions emblematic of the Saintoise tradition, such as the underwater fishing competition and the best torment of love.
The groups and artists invited were primarily from the Guadeloupe archipelago. No more big stars like before.
Since the COVID crisis, the patronal feast at Les Saintes has been virtually at a standstill.
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