Cayenne is the capital of FRENCH GUIANA. The city was founded by the French in 1643 on northwestern Cayenne Island, which is formed by the estuaries of the Cayenne and Mahury rivers. In the mid-19th century it became a Centre of French penal settlements in Guiana and was known as the "city of the condemned" (see DEVILS ISLAND). The prisons were closed in 194 5.
Cayenne is very ethnically diverse, with Creoles, Haitians, Brazilians, Europeans, Hmong and Asians all living in the city. It is famous for its particular annual carnival which starts with the arrival of Vaval (Carnival King) on the first Sunday after New Year's Day and continues with very popular all-night costume balls and Sunday afternoon parades every weekend until Mardi Gras.Cayenne is served by the Cayenne-Rochambeau Airport.
Cayenne is at the west end of a small. somewhat hilly peninsula between the Cayenne and Mahury Rivers. The center of action is the Place des Palmistes. in the northwest corner of town, where there are many cafes and outdoor food stalls. To its west, the Place de Grenoble (also known as Place Leopold Heder) is one of the oldest parts of Cayenne. The area south of the market, called the Village Chinois features some or
the best music and nightlife, but its not entirely safe unless you're with a local, especially at night.
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