Featuring over 90 local and international artistes alongside captivating art installations set against the backdrop of our island’s breath-taking venues, SXM Festival consistently draws thousands of visitors to our shores annually. But why leave this extraordinary event to those who flock here from abroad for seven days of musical bliss?
Embracing our local community, the festival offers significantly discounted day-pass rates for residents, inviting them to sway to the beats on the sandy shores of Boho Beach Club and wander through the enchanted forest of Happy Bay.
After six successful events since the festival made its debut in 2016, the 7th edition promises to be bigger and better. This year, festival-goers can enjoy not just five, but seven days of parties in paradise, and new venues such as Rainbow Cafe, Bamboo House, Moonbar and Kalatua.
Of course, Happy Bay remains the heartbeat of SXM Festival. From Wednesday, March 13, until Sunday, March 17, the secluded beach comes alive from 7:00pm till 5:00am as organisers have once again transformed the beach into a party wonderland for this 7th edition.
“Happy Bay sight, which is our main site, is so beautiful,” said SXM Festival Co-organiser Krystel Arbia at a press conference at Hommage Hotel in Nettle Bay on Wednesday, March 13. “This year, we have created an enchanted forest with art installations, sound and light shows, so I really invite everybody to come and discover.”
Also present at the press conference were tourism representatives from both sides of the island, emphasising the importance of the festival for the destination.
According to St. Maarten Tourism Bureau Director May-Ling Chun, the festival is unlike any other festival. “It is not just for those who love techno music, it is for those who love good vibes; seeing different venues where they can interact and enjoy positivity; meeting new people; and having great music.”
As always, the festival works together with local and regional sponsors. Partners Leah Bouhara from 100% Villas; Zoila Sánchez Contreras – Junior Brand Manager for Divico/Heineken; Dauphin Telecom representative Romain Plagneur; Brand Ambassador for Mutiny Island Vodka, Padovan Baptiste; and Communication Director for Cadisco and Cadismarket, Damien Joachim also spoke on Wednesday. Because, as Zoila Sanchez Contreras, who recently organised a successful 44th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, said, “It can’t be done without great sponsors.”
SXM Festival kicked off on Monday, March 11, at Boho Beach. On Tuesday, March 12, party animals danced with their feet in the sand at Rainbow Cafe and under the moon at Moonbar. The long-awaited festival experience at Happy Bay began on Wednesday, March 13, and will continue until Sunday, March 17.
Discounted day-access passes for residents will be available at Happy Bay for $65 before 9:00pm and $95 thereafter with official proof of residence. For the full line-up and VIP or satellite party tickets, check out www.sxmfestival.com. In photo: Organisers and local authorities pose for a picture at the press conference at Hommage Hotel in Nettle Bay on Wednesday.
