A day of unity and joie de vivre on Sint Maarten

Every year on November 11, the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten adorns itself in red, white and blue when it celebrates its national holiday, SXM Day. This celebration commemorates the day in 1493 when Christopher Columbus sighted the island and named it after St. Martin of Tours, whose name day is also celebrated on this date.

We thank Vanessa White for the photo.

Since 1959, when the holiday was officially introduced by founding fathers Dr. Claude Wathey and Dr. Hubert Petit, SXM Day has stood for unity, strength and community – a tribute to the deep bond between the inhabitants of the French and Dutch sides of the island.

You should definitely listen to this one:

The national anthem for SXM Day 2024, really a video worth seeing that also showcases the beauty of the island!

Meaning and cultural diversity!

SXM Day is far more than just a historical commemoration; it celebrates the unique cultural diversity that unites both parts of the island. The colors of the island – red for courage and solidarity, white for peace and friendliness, and blue for sky and sea – are everywhere, symbolizing the values and pride of the people. Festive parades, lively dance performances and the rhythmic sounds of Caribbean music fill the streets, while locals and visitors enjoy local delicacies.

We thank Vanessa White for the photo.

A special symbol of the day is the Soualiga flag, also known as the “Unity Flag”, which stands for the freedom and unity of the island. The name “Soualiga” means “land of salt” and refers to the rich history of Sint Maarten, which dates back to pre-colonial times.

We would like to thank Vanessa White for the wonderful photos.

One Love – One Island!

SXM Day is not just a public holiday, but an expression of the common identity that unites the islanders despite their different nationalities.

The slogan “One Love – One Island” expresses the attitude to life that takes center stage on this day: the joy of unity and the resilience of the island. Visitors arriving on Sint Maarten on November 11th become part of this special tradition and experience the warm hospitality and joie de vivre of the islanders.

Are you still looking for accommodation close to the beach on St. Maarten to end the evening in peace after the SXM Day 2024? Take a look at the Villa Magic …!