MARIGOT--French side carnival this year will be held from February 7 to February 17, the organisers announced Thursday.
In a changing of the guard, L’Amicale du Personnel Territorial is organising the event under the slogan “2 gether we jammin’” in conjunction with troupe organisers and partners Arts and Culture Department, Dauphin Télécom, St. Martin Tourism Office, Caribbean Liquors and Tobacco, and Beach Plaza Hotel.
Carnival President Jules Joe promised the event would be on a par with previous carnivals, not necessarily bigger but better organised.
The children’s parade will be held on Sunday, February 7 organised by La Caisse Territoriale des Oeuvres Scolaires with some eight establishments expected to take part. With the Haiti crisis still fresh in people’s minds, the grand concert “St. Martin United for Haiti” scheduled for Thursday February 11 at the Louis Vanterpool Stadium from 7:00pm is a fundraiser. Featured local artists include Patoo 2, Duttysham, Prince, and Oswald. Entry fee is US $5.
Friday’s Carnival Kick Off concert at 7:00pm features Jade, Velly, Cromex and Tequila, and Reggae Dancers. At 9:00pm Panthers Vibes and Nuff Respect band take the stage. Entry fee that night is $10. Saturday February 13 is Zouk Stars Night with Youth Waves starting at 9:00pm.
The Grand Parade is on Sunday afternoon February 14 and will start as usual from the Agrément roundabout around 1:00pm and follow a circuit through town to finish in the stadium where a free Calypso Show will be held. The Mardi Gras Parade (second lap) is on Tuesday from 1:00pm and follows the same route. A free Rap concert will be held in the stadium afterwards.
The Black and White Jump- Up is on Wednesday February 17 at 3:00pm. Carnival closes that evening with the burning of King Vaval on the waterfront.
