Nine Saint Martin Events – What to Expect in 2023

Do you want to know what awaits in Saint Martin in 2023? Read our blog post about all the big events in Saint Martin that you should not miss. The tourist office of Saint Martin just released a list of nine happenings that you should put on your calendar. Whether you are planning your next stay in Saint Martin or live here, keep reading to know all about these events:

 Saint Martin´s Le Mardis de Grand Case

The festival season in Saint Martin has already started with Mardis de Grand Case. Every Tuesday evening until the 25^th of April you can expect carnival parades, handcraft booths, music, food, and drinks. If you want to know more about Le Mardis de Grand Case, click here. There you can find everything you need to know!

Carnival in Saint Martin

The Carnival season is in full swing! From the 10^th of February until the 22^nd of February, Marigot, the capital of Saint Martin, will turn into a sea of feathers, glitter, and music. Parades will take over the streets and dancers in breathtaking costumes will celebrate the sound of Soca and other Caribbean rhythms. Eagerly awaited and prepared for months, the Carnival of Saint Martin 2023 will unite young and old. It is an event for all generations and cultures to mix and enjoy the atmosphere together. Make sure not to miss it! Carnival on the Dutch side will start in March and last until May.

St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is back – also on the French Side this year! For the 43^rd time, the largest regatta in the Caribbean is taking place in St. Maarten. St. Maarten is hosting this fast-paced sailing event from the 2^nd to the 5^th of March. This year, the motto is “Serious Sailing – Serious Fun” and promises entertainment at its best! Every year, the event attracts thousands of visitors of all ages, professions, and nationalities. It is a wonderful opportunity to get together, enjoy the regattas, and dive into St. Maarten’s culture!

SXM Festival

Let the party begin! SXM Festival returns to Saint Martin for the 6^th time. From the 8^th to the 12^th of March, the island will turn into a party zone for lovers of electronic music. SXM Festival has become one of the best curated underground electronic music festivals in the world and that for a good reason: it has an innovative concept, promotes local and regional artists as well as its range of musical genres. The performing artists, their music, and the international crowd are diverse and inclusive. Various locations on the island – such as Happy Bay beach, different villas, and beach clubs – will open its gates for the partygoers. The Lineup includes grammy-nominated artists and DJs from all over the world who promise five days and nights of electronic bliss in Saint Martin!

LOV3 DAYS Saint Martin

The Caribbean music festival “LOV3 DAYS” hosts its second edition from the 26^th to the 28^th of May in Saint Martin. Last year, it was a full-on success. Many local festival goers as well as visitors from neighboring islands enjoyed the colorful music of different artists. “LOV3 DAYS” has not yet released their lineup but last year several renowned artists like Kassav Group, Kalash, etc. performed their music. Be ready to party to the sounds of the Caribbean!

Oualichi Festival Saint Martin

You are looking for the perfect festival in July? Oualichi Festival takes place from the 13^th to the 16^th of July and promises four days of absolute fun. Oualichi is one of the original names of the island and means “the land of the brave and beautiful women.” So, pack your bags, get your tickets, and come to Saint Martin to experience this music festival which will have you dancing non-stop. The line-up is not yet published but the last years were a mix of renowned bands, artists, and DJs.

Culinary Festival Saint Martin

Saint Martin Culinary Festival will be held from the 11^th to the 22^nd of November. You will be able to experience the diverse local cuisine of St. Martin’s restaurants by exploring their “discovery” menus. Last year’s common element was the plantain banana. Moreover, you can vote for your favorite restaurant, join live cooking classes, learn from experienced chefs in outdoor cooking workshops, and compete in mixology or barbecue competitions. The patrons of this event include Michelin star chefs, as well as many incredible guest chefs, mixologists, and barbecue experts. Get ready to (re)discover the local cuisine and dive into Saint Martin’s Culinary Festival!

Christmas Lighting Competition

Saint Martin wants to shine and sparkle in the brightest colors this year! Unpack your Christmas lights and decorations, bring the whole family together to help, and make your house the most Christmassy in all of Saint Martin. From the 23^rd of November to the 31^st of December, the Christmas Lighting Competition will take place. Make sure to participate and enjoy the Christmas spirit to the fullest!

Running Night

Saint Martin’s Running Night is back! This year the nocturnal relay race takes place for adults on Friday, the 8^th of December, and for kids on Saturday, the 9^th of December. Make sure to dress up and register for this year’s Christmas run in the heart of Marigot! Teams can be made of five runners, drinks and snacks will be offered, and there are dozens of gifts to win. For many years now, Saint Martin’s Running Night has been a fantastic way to end the year!