Events

July

French National Holiday
July 14th
Visitors & locals enjoy a day of tradition with sports & entertainment in Marigot. There is also a sailboat race between Marigot & Anguilla that is a tradition that goes back for years.

St Martin Food Festival
July This is an opportunity to taste traditional Caribbean food and enjoy beautiful West Indian music. Contact: The Arts & Cultural Services at Town hall- Phone 0590 51 19 05

Grand-Case Village Festival July 21st
Locals celebrate Victor Schoelcher, the man who abolished slavery. A religious ceremony starts the day followed by boat races, food and music.

August

Cinema in August
Every weekend in August
This is an ope-air cinema festival that travels around to different island villages each weekend. Movies are for all ages and the admission is free.
Contact: The Arts & Cultural Services at Townhall- Phone 0590 51 19 05

September

Seasonal Opening of "The Artist's Corner"
September
An exhibition space located in the Hotel de Ville in Marigot showcases local artists' work.
Contact: The Arts & Cultural Services at Town hall- Phone 0590 51 19 05

November

St Martin's Day
November 11th
A day to celebrate when Christopher Columbus discovered the island on November 11th, 1493. Official ceremonies and entertainment takes place on both sides of the island featuring food, music and local culture.
Contact: Commune Info- Phone 0590 87 17 76

Beaujolais Nouveau
Traditionally on the Third Thursday
Many places hosts wine-tasting parties with a French theme.

The Alliance Regatta
4 days in November
Regatta races take place between St Martin, St Bart's and Anguilla as well as parties and shows.
Contact: Marina Fort Louis- Phone 0590 51 11 11; Website: http://www.caribbean-marinas.com/fortlouis

December

Miss Caribbean Hibiscus
One Week in December
A beauty pageant participants from all over the Caribbean and some South American Countries. The festivities include special guests, fashion parades and shows.
Contact: Patrick Eugene- Phone 0590 29 24 16

Christmas Decoration Contest
All of December
St Martin is alive with thousands of lights that decorate many private houses, yachts and businesses all around the island. The office of Tourism holds a contest to pick the most beautifully decorated place
Contact: St Martin Office of Tourism- Phone 0590 87 57 21

Santa Claus' House
December 1st through January 15th
A private home at Cripple Gate that opens to the public where visitors can enjoy Christmas foods and entertainment.
Contact: The Good Friends Association- Phone 0590 29 05 54

St. Maarten's 41st Annual Carnival Season
April 2010
Colorful parades and costumes, exciting concerts, world-class dining and fabulous beaches. Experience a fun and festive week long party for Spring Break. The month of April is the perfect time to enjoy the island when St. Maarten/St. Martin comes alive with celebration! Plan your trip early for a front row seat or to take part in the revelry and discover the true essence of St. Maarten and St. Martin.

Bridge Opening Times

St. Maarten Dutch Side (Simpson Bay)

December to April (daily)
9.00 9.30 11.00 4.30 5.30

May to November (daily)
9.30 11.30 5.30

St. Martin French Side (Sandy Ground)

Monday to Saturday
8.15 2.15 5.30

Sunday and Holidays
8.15 5.30