Maarten/St. Martin Carnival’s And Events

St Maarten St Martin Carnivals and Events — For some people the ideal vacation is one that involves very little activity other than lying on the beach or at poolside. For others, activities are the name of the game. If you plan to visit St. Maarten/St. Martin in the near future, both types of vacations are possible.

Tourists who want to take advantage of the most exciting activities would do well to plan their vacations planning around specific events. There is lots going on in St. Maarten/St. Martin, so much so that some of the events are too good to miss.

Carnival – French and Dutch Sides

Maarten/St. Martin Carnival’s And Events

Throughout the Caribbean, carnival is something that is taken very seriously. On the French side of the island, Carnival begins in mid-January and continues well into March. February is the busiest month with plenty of parades, pageants, barbecues, and live music and dancing. J’ouvert is a popular party event running from a week prior to Mardi Gras through Ash Wednesday. If you think Mardi Gras in New Orleans is fun, just wait until you experience Carnival in French St. Martin.

The Dutch side picks up the Carnival fun beginning the Wednesday after Easter. Events include pageants, brass bands, parades, and plenty of community revelry. The highlight of the 15-day Dutch Carnival is a parade staged on the Queen’s birthday. It winds through the streets of Phillipsburg only to end at the historic Carnival Village. St. Maarten culture and tradition rule the Queen’s Birthday party.

Heineken Sailing Regatta

Every first weekend in March the Heineken Sailing Regatta takes place. It is an international event that host to more than 32 countries and close to 200 entries, making it the largest regatta in the Region! What could be better than racing in the Tropical sun with crystal clear water and ice cold Heinekens?
With four days of fantastic sailing comes four nights of untouchable parties.
Great fun to visit the island during this time frame and watch the amazing sailing yards and join the parties !

Competitive Fishing

Competitive fishing is alive and well in St. Maarten/St. Martin, with two prominent events taking place in June. On the first or second weekend of the month is the Billfish Tournament, a tournament that attracts competitive anglers from the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. You can attend as either a spectator or participant.

Near the end of June is the Fishing Event held at the famous Marlin Boulevard area of Dutch St. Maarten. These fishing grounds are approximately 30 miles east of the island. They are well known for their rich variety of fish species — in abundance — waiting for anglers.

St. Maarten’s Day

This is a national holiday on both sides of the island designated celebrate Columbus’ discovery and naming of St. Maarten/St. Martin. The November 11 holiday is highlighted by parades, sporting events, and jump-ups over a two or three-day period.

Whether you are visiting St. Maarten/St. Martin for a week or a month, there are plenty of events to add excitement and amusement. The three we have listed here are just the start. Do a little research on your own and you are likely to find something worth planning your vacation around.