Recommended annual events
Want to know what to expect culturally throughout the year in St. Martin | St. Maarten? This blog post will inform you in detail about events you should not miss and give you an overview. The tourism offices of Saint Martin and Sint Maarten have each published a list of events that you should put in your calendar. Whether you’re planning your next vacation to Saint Martin or you’re staying here; read on to learn all about what to expect in Saint Martin!
1. Le Mardis de Grand Case
The year begins with the Carnival season, which every year brings numerous parades and events, including the Mardis de Grand Case. Every Tuesday evening from the end of January to April, you can expect carnival parades, artisan booths, music, food and drinks. If you want to learn more about Le Mardis de Grand Case, click on the link or read an earlier one of our blog posts. There you will find everything you need to know!
2. Carnival in St. Martin
The Saint Martin Carnival season takes place in February. At that time Marigot, the capital of the French part, turns into a sea of feathers, glitter and music. Parades will parade through the streets and dancers in stunning costumes will celebrate to the sounds of soca and other Caribbean rhythms. On the Dutch side, Sint Maarten celebrates in Philipsburg from late April through May. The eagerly awaited Caribbean Carnival, prepared for months, unites young and old every year. It is an event where all generations and cultures can mix and enjoy the atmosphere together. Don’t miss it!
3. Heineken Regatta
The Heineken Regatta always takes place on the first weekend in March! For the 43rd time, the largest regatta in the Caribbean and probably the largest warm water regatta in the world was held in St. Maarten. Sint Maarten Yacht Club hosts this fast-paced sailing event. The motto “Serious Sailing – Serious Fun” attracts thousands of visitors of all ages, professions and nationalities every year. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet sailors from all over the world, watch the regattas and immerse yourself in the top-class social program!
4. SXM Festival
SXM Festival always starts right after the Heineken Regatta in March. It transforms parts of the island into a party zone for electronic music lovers. In recent years, SXM Festival has become one of the best-curated underground electronic music festivals in the world due to its innovative concepts, promotion of local and regional artists, and range of musical genres. The artists performing, their music and the international audience are diverse and varied. Various locations on the island such as Happy Bay, a private beach, various villas and beach clubs open their doors to partygoers. The lineup includes Grammy-nominated artists and DJs from around the world, promising five days and nights of electronic bliss in Saint Martin!
5. LOV3 DAYS
The Caribbean music festival “LOV3 DAYS” was held this year for the second time in Saint Martin from May 26 to 28. Like last year, it was a great success and many festival visitors from neighboring islands as well as locals enjoyed the colorful music of various artists. Artists such as Kassav Group, Kalash, etc. perform with their music influenced by Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Be ready to party to the sounds of the Caribbean!
6. Oualichi Festival
Looking for the perfect festival in July? The Oualichi Festival takes place from July 13-16 and promises four days of absolute fun. Oualichi is one of the original names of the island and means “the land of brave and beautiful women”. So, pack your bags, get tickets and come to St. Martin to experience this music festival where you will dance non-stop.
7. Culinary Festival
After a successful first year, the Saint Martin Culinary Festival returns November 11-22. You can get to know the diverse local cuisine of Saint Martin’s restaurants by exploring their “discovery menus.” The common food that will characterize the “Festival de la Gastronomie” this year is the plantain. You can also vote for your favorite restaurant, participate in live cooking classes, learn from expert chefs at outdoor cooking workshops, and participate in mixology or grilling competitions. Patrons of this event include the likes of Nicolas Sale, a 2-Michelin star chef from France, as well as many incredible guest chefs, mixologists and grill experts. Get ready to (re)discover local cuisine and immerse yourself in the Festival de la Gastronomie!
8. Christmas Lighting Competition
St. Martin wants to shine and sparkle in the most beautiful colors this year! Unpack your Christmas lights and decorations, get the whole family together to help, and make your house the most Christmassy in all of St. Martin. From Nov. 23 to Dec. 31, the “Christmas Lighting Competition” will take place. Then at Walter Plantz Square, the annual “Lighting of the Christmas Tree” will also take place. Then on December 17, the “Lighting Parade” will take place in Grand Case and in Philipsburg, the Boardwalk will be lit. Join in and enjoy the Christmas spirit to the fullest!
9. Running Night
St. Martin’s “Running Night” is back! This year, the nightly relay race will be held for adults on Friday, December 8, and for children on Saturday, December 9. Get dressed up and sign up for this year’s Christmas run in the heart of Marigot! Teams of five runners can be formed, drinks and snacks will be provided, and there are dozens of gifts to be won. For many years, St. Martin’s “Running Night” has been a fantastic way to end the year!
These are only a few excerpts from the diverse offer. Here again all major events for both sides of the island at a glance:
Not enough of it yet …?
You can find more information on the pages
https://www.st-martin.org/us/calendar-of-events-in-st-martin/ and
https://shta.com/st-maarten-st-martin-events-calendars/
Ever thought about taking advantage of the MOTC Card?
At these events, there is an opportunity for a 10% exclusive Magic Of The Caribbean discount when you present your MOTC Card at participating partners. Don’t have your membership card yet? Find out how to get yours here:
Note: Please keep in mind that discount details and participating locations may vary. It is recommended to check with Magic of the Caribbean in advance for the latest information on membership benefits and discounts.
The easiest way to do this is the MOTCC APP
MOTCC Partners are all carefully vetted and have proven over time to offer splendid service and value. Check out the hotels & car rentals. Excursion providers, restaurants, and jewelers who are part of the extensive list of elite companies participating with Magic of the Caribbean.
To find them all, you can download our free MOTCC APP for Android or Apple operating systems:
Apple Store:
https://apps.apple.com/app/id1505805742
Google Play Store:
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