With a population that is approximately 70% French or French-Caribbean, Saint Martin has maintained many elements of their former French culture, including a love of French traditions. Because the island of Saint Martin is split into two countries – French and Dutch – celebrations are held separately. However, both parties are equally as fun and lively as the other. Saint Martin celebrates Bastille Day on July 14 every year due to its significance in the history of France. So, if you’re planning to visit this Caribbean island during the summer, here’s everything you need to know about the celebration:

What is Bastille Day?

Bastille Day is a French national holiday that marks the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789. This important day in French history is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and a lot of food. The French National Day, also known as Bastille Day, commemorates the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, the French Revolution and the beginning of the French Republic. On this historic day, the people of Paris stormed with the battle cry “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” the Bastille, a medieval fortress and state prison, to protest the unfair taxation system. The event is commemorated annually in France with fireworks. Bastille Day is observed on July 14 every year. The day is also an important French cultural celebration with traditions similar to Mardi Gras. Bastille Day is not only a celebration of French history and culture, but also an opportunity to express French solidarity with other cultures and peoples and a good reason to party.

When is Bastille Day in Saint Martin?

Bastille Day is an important celebration in Saint Martin, and the date is always on July 14. Saint Martin celebrates the day with many cultural traditions that are typical to France. Locals gather at the harbor and then walk together, singing and dancing, until they reach Waterfront near Fort de Louis XVI, where a cultural event is held. The annual celebration of Bastille Day in Saint Martin offers visitors the chance to experience a French-Caribbean-style celebration and enjoy food such as French pastries. A lot of people visit Saint Martin during this time of the year, so be sure to book your flight and hotel as early as possible.

Where to go?

Saint Martin hosts a number of cultural events during the Bastille Day celebrations. Visitors can attend various parades, including the official parade and a wreath laying ceremony and official toasts and speeches. Other events include a traditional boat, a race and a bicycle race, kids games, and concerts. Visitors can attend various Bastille Day celebrations to experience French culture. During the celebrations, you can go to the parade, watch a fireworks show, or attend one of the concerts. Another popular way to celebrate the day is by eating French food. Saint Martin restaurants offer a variety of French dishes, including crème brûlée and French pastries. If you want to get involved in the celebrations, you can always participate in the parade by dressing up in French-themed attire.

Take a look at these pictures by Ferdinand Beauperthuy and see for yourself how the celebration always took place at the waterfront.

Where to Watch the Fireworks

The fireworks show is the highlight of Saint Martin’s Bastille Day celebrations. Fireworks are launched at 9pm from Marigot Bay, which is located on the western shoreline of Saint Martin. If you want to watch the fireworks show, you can stand anywhere along the waterfront in Marigot. However, the best view of the fireworks show is from Fort de Louis XVI. You can also watch the fireworks show from your hotel room. However, you will need to make sure that your hotel room faces the sea, otherwise, you won’t be able to see the fireworks. Alternatively, you can watch the fireworks show from a sail boat that is anchored in Marigot Bay.

Tips for Traveling to Saint Martin in July

Saint Martin is a popular travel destination, and many people visit the island during the Bastille Day celebrations. Therefore, it is advised to book your flight and hotel as early as possible. To get the best view of the fireworks show, you should visit one of the restaurants in Marigot, like Bistro de la Mer. From there you have a top view to the festivities and fireworks. If you are planning to participate in the parade and other cultural activities, you can wear traditional French clothing. Alternatively, you can wear red, white, and blue clothing to represent the French flag. When travelling to Saint Martin during the Bastille Day celebrations, you should expect an increased crowded and traffic in Marigot. You should arrive at the celebration locations early to avoid traffic.

The annual celebration of Bastille Day in Saint Martin offers visitors the chance to experience a French-style celebration. The fireworks show is the highlight of Saint Martin’s Bastille Day celebrations and will take place tonight at 9pm. If you want to watch the fireworks show, you can stand anywhere along the Waterfront in Marigot.

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