A lot will be happening for St. Maarten/St. Martin Day which will be observed on Wednesday, November 11. The events are being held under the theme: “Though Culturally Diverse, SXM’s Unity Comes First.” The wonderful blend of activities is aimed at re-unifying communities and awakening the country’s national pride.
Here’s a snap shot of what will be happening.
The curtains will rise on the St. Maarten/St. Martin Day celebrations this Sunday, November 8, with the 10th annual Harbour to Pier Swim Meet, which gets underway at 7:00am.
This will be followed by the Victorious Living Foundation’s Live2Lead rebroadcast at Philipsburg Cultural and Community Centre on Back Street at 4:30pm.
Tuesday, November 10, the island will be treated to great music at the Classical Pan Concert by Dow’s Musical Foundation at St. Maarten Festival Village at 8:30pm.
Go dressed to impress as this will be a black tie affair.
Activities heat up on St. Maarten/St. Martin Day – Wednesday, November 11:
8:00am – Wreath Laying ceremony at Cole Bay Border Monument.
9:00am – Official Church Service at the Methodist Church on Front Street.
10:00am – The Uniformed Troupes parade will begin. The public will be able to view the parade as it snakes it way up Front Street to Cyrus Wathey Square for an official salute and then continue to St. Maarten Festival Village.
11:15am – The official speeches will take place in front of the Court House. An official toast will follow, bringing an end to the official part of the day.
12:00-5:30pm – A “Fancy Fair” including games, rides, confectionaries, flea market, entertainment and bouncers will be held at Clem Labega Square. Grab your entire family and head out for a day of great fun and relaxation.
12:00-3:00pm – Traditional St. Maarten sport activities will be held at Boardwalk Boulevard where everyone can get a chance to play as was done back in the day.
The activities that are open for public participation are the old time sports and games; the triathlon-meet; the beach volleyball (downtown section) and old time boat races (uptown section).
3:00pm – The Cultural Parade will begin. Families are urged to come out to see this beautiful and meaningful parade which will start at Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard in the vicinity of Sang’s Supermarket, head over the bridge, onto Emmaplein in front of Jump Up Casino, down Cannegieter Street, turning right at Tamarind Steeg, right again, then up Walter Nisbeth Road (Pondfill), turning onto Soualiga Boulevard and ending at the Festival Village.
Following the parade, everyone can head into the Festival Village to enjoy the variety of local foods, drinks and snacks on sale. You will also be entertained by local performances celebrating the unification of people; and a domino competition will also be held.
4:00pm – A kite flying competition will be held on the Ring Road. The various primary schools were sent an invitation to make their kites from scratch, which are to be showcased at the event. Judges will determine who made the best kite, which must be able to fly in order to qualify for one of the prizes that will be awarded in the following categories: Most Colourful, Most Creative and Best Flight.
St. Maarten Festival Village will open from 9:00am to 9:00pm on November 11.
