This category includes all cultural and artistic activities.
JANUARY
January
1st New Year (Public holiday) 15 - 4pm Pre-carnival activities Carnival costumes parade in the Village of French Quarter of local and neighboring island groups 22 - 6pm Pre-carnival activities Carnival costumes parade in the Village of Grand Case of local and neighboring island groups 29 - 4pm Pre-carnival activities Carnival costumes parade in the Village of Sandy-Ground of local and neighboring island groups
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
05 - 4 pm Pre-carnival activities carnival costumes in the streets of local and neighboring island groups 11 - “Unity Jump Up” Pre carnival activities 19-29 - Two weeks of celebration at the carnival village open nightly with local entertainment and talent shows, that includes three days of parades in the streets of Marigot and ends with a black and white jump up and the burning of king Vaval.
Preparations for Carnival take place throughout the year, including making the feathered and sequined costumes and writing the music to whose rhythm the island will vibrate during Carnival Week. The streets are thronged with young and old alike. Dancers, musicians and spectators are all bewitched. Revellers follow the trucks carrying enormous sound systems which pound the city walls. The parade tours the streets of Marigot until nightfall, when everyone meets at the Carnival Village and the evening continues with concerts and events. Be sure not to miss it
MARCH
MARCH
Heineken Regatta
For more than twenty years, each March, people with a passion for sailing have gathered for a weekend of great fun at the Heineken Regatta. In the tradition of the regatta the big names of sailing compete in a friendly atmosphere where the beer flows freely. More than two hundred boats, from family vessels to racing prototypes, are present each year for this event. Throughout the weekend, from wherever you are on the island, when you look in the direction of the sea, you find dozens of majestic sails colouring the skyline. For a large number of professional skippers, the Heineken Regatta offers entertainment and fun amid the year’s more serious races and regattas. For them it is often an opportunity to meet their friends and to share their experiences. The Heineken Regatta is “Serious Fun”. A program of celebration that does not overlook the competitiveness of sailing races.
3, 4 & 5 - HEINEKEN REGATTA
The 26th annual sailing competition under the theme “Serious Fun”, 3 days of world class yachts and sailing expertise, tactical racing for all levels and 4 nights of non stop fun () with international and local entertainment both on and off the water. Party venues all around the island including the Marigot harbour and Orient Beach.
23 - RED & WHITE JUMP UP A parade of red & black carnival costumes in the streets of Marigot.
APRIL
APRIL
Tournoi de football des caraïbes (-de 13 ans) Mr GQ (élection de mister de Saint Martin)
Course pédestre de 20km de St Martin/St Maarten
MAY
MAY
Ecotourism day
A new way to discover Saint Martin. For the past two years, on a May weekend, the Saint Martin Tourism Office has promoted ecotourism. For two days, the Bellevue area is taken over by leisure activity and nature discovery organizations, artisans and local entertainment groups. This is an invitation to discover Saint Martin in a new light. For two days, parents and children are spoiled: all activities are free! Sea kayaking, scuba diving, horseback or mountain bike riding, hiking, treasure hunts... all are available. Local artisans display their talents: herb and spice growing, pottery, coffee roasting… Many local dishes are available for tasting, while enjoying various shows. Definitely something to (re)discover!
May: Water sport festival
Organized by: The Sea Trades Association of Saint Martin METIMER
The main theme: These two days are devoted to the sea, river, and lake environment and to respect for others. With the participation of the maritime reserve of Saint Martin, every effort is made to encourage the public to (re -) discover the maritime environment. Various free activities are offered to allow the public to discover the joy of water sports.
Departure from Fort Louis marina on a yacht, sailing through the Anguilla channel towards Grand Case and back.
Trips aboard motorboats will also be offered. Leaving the land behind, you will get a new perspective on the island from the open sea. During these two days, you can discover jet-skiing, kayaking or windsurfing. With the help of an instructor, you can start to learn these various sports. Other activities are planned too. You can enjoy a sailing regatta by registering as a crew member for one of the 28 races which will take place For two days the population of Saint Martin and of the neighbouring islands is invited to discover the sea and what it has to offer in terms of pleasure, sports or economic activity.
Labor Day
1 - Labor Day «from 8am to 4pm» Fish day at Cul de Sac village - A fun day on the theme of fish: a review of the different species of fish, demonstrations of ways to prepare fish, a display of fruits and vegetables that can be used in the wide variety of recipes available.
5 - Saint Martin International athletic meet International Athletic meet including some of the highest performances in track and field.
1-8 – Festival of Laughs A week of stage performances by renowned comedians
14-15 - Captain Oliver’s & Carib Beer Regatta Regatta including a wide range of mono-hulls & multi-hulls sailing around the island in a festive and competitive atmosphere.
15 - St Louis’ Village Day – Fun-filled family day featuring the most popular traditional and cultural games and music. Exhibition and sale of local dishes.
21-22 - Nautical Fair - a weekend of nautical activities, demonstration of water sports & musical entertainment.
23-27 - Black Heritage week - Grand celebration of the 157th (159th) anniversary of the abolition of slavery
JUNE
JUNE
Billfish Tournament
7-12 June Marlin Bill Fish Tournament 8th edition of the « Bill fish » International deep sea fishing tournament ;a gathering of Caribbean and European professional fishermen
23-26 June
23-26 - Soualiga Football tournament Football tournament bringing together a selection of the best Caribbean football teams in a festive atmosphere. 20-21 - Summer Heat Music festival A weekend of musical entertainment
JULY
JULY
Colombier Day activities Family day beginning with religious services, honoring ancestors of the community and exhibitions of this village’s uniquely rich cultural heritage. Best Ram goat on the island contest. Saint Martin Food Festival. Fun-filled day highlighting local and Caribbean traditional dishes.
14 - National Day: official ceremony and parades in the streets to celebrate the Bastille Day. Fun-filled family day featuring the most popular sporting, traditional and cultural games and music. The most popular and appreciated traditional sporting event of the island for the past hundred years, small island-made boats manned by a captain and crew members from both sides of the island and from Anguilla, race through the channel of Saint Martin (Marigot Waterfront), and Anguilla for the annual trophy in a festive atmosphere. Ecotourism Village Family day with entertainment and an exhibition of products and activities relating to ecotourism.
21 - Grand Case Village Fun-filled family day featuring the most popular traditional and cultural games and music. The most popular and appreciated traditional sporting event of the island for the past hundred years, small island-made boats manned by a captain and crew members from both sides of the island and from Anguilla, race through the channel of Saint Martin (Marigot Waterfront), and Anguilla for the annual trophy in a festive atmosphere. St Maarten/Saint Martin Summer Fest
AUGUST
August
29 Jul-28 August - Film festival A week-end of movies shown in an outdoor setting in the various villages
15 - Sandy-Ground Village day Fun-filled family day featuring the most popular traditional and cultural games and music.
SEPTEMBER
September
16 - 3rd edition of the Artists Corner Exhibition of local artists
27 - World Tourism day Official ceremony organized by the tourism offices of the island in celebration of the day.
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
November
Caribbean Tourism day Official ceremony celebrating Caribbean Tourism day organized by the tourism offices of the island
11 - Saint Martin/St Maarten’s Day French Quarter’s village day Fun-filled family day featuring the most popular traditional and cultural games and music.
18 - 27 - The Alliance race 2nd edition 4 days of exceptional sailing, parties and shows organised by “Marina”, French Caribbean docks with the participation of Triskell organisation.
This year’s edition is open to 3 categories of boats: Mono-hulls, Multi-hulls and Fun with a prologue organised one week before the race, between Marina Bas du Fort of Pointe-à-Pitre and the Marina Fort Louis Saint Martin continuing to St Maarten, St Barth’s and Anguilla
DECEMBER
December
During the entire month of December Christmas Lighting Galore competition Christmas lighting decoration competition covering 3 categories (Individual homes, Businesses, Yachts). 03 - Miss Caribbean Hibiscus Pageant
17 - « Award ceremony » at Loterie Farm L’Office de Tourisme de Saint Martin presents awards to people who have worked to further ecological and cultural tourism at an end-of-year dinner featuring local entertainment.
18 - Go Local "do it we way" From December 14th, every Wednesday and Sunday until the end of March 2007.
Go LOCAL “do it we way” - Wednesdays and Sundays on the Marigot Waterfront.
The French Tourist Office in collaboration with the Commune and the local restaurants, will provide entertainment on the Marigot Waterfront every Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm and Sundays from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, This will be an opportunity for the local population and visitors to enjoy and taste the island’s flavours in a festive atmosphere.
18 - Pudding & tart competition ECONights –« Award ceremony »The French tourist office will reward all persons or institutions contributing to the development of the island’s environment and culture.
31 - Orient Bay Midnight Dream festival. The Orient Bay Beach’s grand end of the year celebration dinner and festival, featuring local music and entertainment along with fireworks
tourism office
Contact: Office de Tourisme de Saint Martin – Service Développement Local Tel : 0590 87 57 21 Fax : 0590 87 56 43 E-mail : info@st-martin.org
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