as 50 inhabitants lived on the islets. Today this tiny archipelago, surrounded by clear waters and huge coral reefs is inhabited by iguanas (Iguana delicatissima), which are native to the Lesser Antilles. Petite Terre is home to rare species of birds such as the Least Tern (Sternula antillarum), the American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), as well as various types of sandpipers. Two species of turtle, the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta), come to the islets to lay their eggs. Tourism is regulated by the National Office of Forests, in partnership with the Désiradian association of Ti Tè. Culture Festivals The annual Sailors’ Commemorative Ceremony is held on 16 August. A large procession is taken out, in which Le Vétéran, a model boat normally kept in the town's church (Notre Dame de l’Assomption), is paraded all around Beauséjour. Though the ceremony itself is only for a day, the days leading up to and following it are normally festive too, with parades and parties. People from all over Guadeloupe and Metropolitan France come over to the island to partake in the event. Every year the "Goat Festival" (Fête du Cabri) takes place during the Easter weekend. Based around a celebration of the island's favourite food, various concerts, productions and programmes are held across the isle. Cuisine The island is renowned for its fresh seafood, much of which goes straight from the fishing boats to the local restaurants. Furthermore, the lobsters and shellfish which are plentiful on Désirade are becoming increasingly rare in Guadeloupe as a whole. There are also many traditional goat recipes, including curries and stews, which make up a large part of the island's cuisine. As for desserts, the cashew fruit is a particular speciality which can be consumed on its own, with ice-cream or in rum-based drinks. Monuments and tourist sites The national nature reserve of the Petite-Terre islands The Pointe Doublé lighthouse The former Pointe Doublé meteorological station (listed historical monument) The marine cemetery of Beauséjour The beaches of Grande-Anse, Souffleur and Baie-Mahault. The ruins of the leper colony and the old cotton mill. The church of Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours, built in 1754 and modified after the cyclones of 1899 and 1928. A bell tower and two chapels were added in 1935. Inside, the altar is made of rough pear wood. The catholic chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Calvaire, built in 1905. Last stop of the Way