Cemetery of Morne-à-l'Eau, Historic cemetery in Morne-à-l'Eau, Guadeloupe
The Cemetery of Morne-à-l'Eau is a burial ground in Guadeloupe where graves are tiled with black and white in checkerboard patterns. These decorated tombs spread across the entire site and create a distinctive geometric arrangement throughout the grounds.
The first burials took place around 1847 and marked the beginning of a shift away from plantation burials toward organized community cemeteries. This transition played an important role in how burial practices developed across the island.
The tombs are designed and maintained by families as miniature houses, reflecting the building style of local Creole homes. Visitors can observe how these graves serve as places where families express their connection to their ancestors.
The grounds are accessible during daylight hours and you can get a good view of the entire site by walking along the raised pathways. Comfortable shoes are helpful since the terrain can be uneven as you move between the tombs.
During All Saints' Day, thousands of candles are lit across the cemetery, casting a warm glow over the black and white tiles. This creates a moving scene where the graves are transformed by candlelight into a place of remembrance.
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