Events calendar Saint Martin

Because the island is so steeped in American culture, Halloween is celebrated all over the island. Nearly every house is decorated for the occasion, and children dress up and go trick-or-treating to collect sweets. Adults are not left out of the fun, however, and once the kids have gone to bed, they too can enjoy themselves and even chill out. Many bars and clubs (especially in the Dutch part of the country) organize special, festive evenings, usually in costume, for the occasion.

Commercial flea market bringing together over a hundred merchants, with entertainment provided from the Bellevue shopping area to the West Indies Mall, via the streets of downtown Marigot and Howell Center, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., organized by the Marigot merchants' association (Action économique et citoyenne). It's an opportunity to pick up some bargains or simply stroll around and mingle with the island's inhabitants.

First launched in the United States in 1976 by U.S. President Gerald Ford, the commemoration of Black History Month is held every year in February. In Sint Maarten, the celebration is held annually to remember important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. Afro-Caribbeans who have marked the history of the island are honored. Conferences, debates and exhibitions are organized throughout the month with personalities from the Caribbean.

A family day that has been showcasing the heritage of Colombier, the island's most bucolic hamlet, since 2000. An unusual event that attracts more and more people every year. From seven o'clock in the morning, tributes are paid to the elders and workshops are held to perpetuate traditions. Stalls showcase local craftsmen and products. A lottery is sometimes organized, along with musical entertainment. At the end of the afternoon, the highlight of the event is a competition to find the most beautiful goat on the island.

It's THE must-attend event for bikers on Saint-Martin! Every year, all the island's bikers, enthusiasts of all types of motorcycles (but with a predilection for Harley-Davidsons), are invited to join the party and welcome visitors from all over the world. Over 200 bikers will be making the trip from the Caribbean, but not only. A gathering that doesn't go unnoticed, especially during the Rides. On the program: daytime rides until sunset, concerts, a car show, a wet T-shirt contest...

It's 4 days and 4 nights of electric atmosphere all over the island with concerts and animations. It is one of the flagship events of St. Martin and the whole island is taken by storm by festival-goers. The artists are international and this year the program has focused on excellence! Nine different places (beach, villa, boat, beach bar...) will be transformed into an open-air club to welcome the best artists from all over the world... Everything can be organized by the Festival from the ticket reservation to the concert package.

Every year, August 15, Assumption Day, is a public holiday that also corresponds to Sandy Ground's village fête. It generally begins with an ecumenical mass at the Apostolic Faith Church, followed by speeches by elected representatives and official figures, and a vin d'honneur. It then continues with sports and cultural events, and tastings of local dishes in the streets, in the parking lot of the Albéric Richards stadium or the Sandy Ground cultural center, right through to the evening. A festive, family-friendly day.

On Saint-Martin, November 11th has a dual significance. As in France, it marks the date commemorating the Armistice of 1918. But above all, it is Saint-Martin's Day. Christopher Columbus is said to have discovered the island on his second voyage, on November 11, 1493, and to have named it after the saint of the day, Saint Martin de Tours. Since 1959, each year the French and Dutch authorities have taken it in turns to organize a ceremony on either side of the border. The day is a national holiday.

To celebrate the storming of the Bastille, the Collectivité organizes annual festivities. The day begins with an ecumenical mass at Marigot's Catholic church, followed by the traditional rue de la République parade, the laying of wreaths at the war memorial in the Collectivité gardens, and sports, traditional and cultural events on Marigot's seafront. In the evening, fireworks are usually set off in Marigot Bay. The best place to enjoy it? From Fort Louis.

Music is omnipresent on the island all year round, and even more so on June 21, the day of the Fête de la Musique. Just like everywhere else in France, music is celebrated on every street corner. In some cases, the local authorities make equipment available. In all cases, several establishments (bars, restaurants, etc.) on the French side organize special evenings. The French Ministry of Education also puts music in the spotlight in schools. While the program changes every year, one thing is certain: the streets won't stay silent.