PHILIPSBURG – The Government of Sint Maarten is pleased to extend a heartfelt invitation to
all residents and visitors to join in commemorating the 66th Annual St. Martin Day Celebration
on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village.
St. Martin Day stands as a cherished symbol of unity, heritage, and shared identity — a tradition
rooted in the visionary ideals of our founding fathers, Dr. Claude Wathey, Mr. Clem Labega, Mr.
Felix Choisy, and Dr. Hubert Petit. Their legacy continues to inspire an unbreakable bond
between the northern and southern sides of our island, united through culture, community,
and kinship.
This year’s theme, “Sankofa — Learning from the past, to build for the future,” serves as a
powerful reminder that our strength lies in honoring our history while forging a resilient and
prosperous future together. St. Martin Day is a time to celebrate unity, and the spirit of Sweet
St Martin Land, recognizing the values and shared experiences that bind us as one island
people.
“St. Martin Day represents the very essence of who we are — one people, one island,
one destiny. It is a time to look back with gratitude at the sacrifices and achievements
that shaped our identity, and to look forward with purpose toward a future built on
cooperation, respect, and mutual progress. Let us continue to strengthen the bond that
unites both sides of our island and proudly celebrate the shared heritage that defines us
as St. Martiners.” stated the Honorable Prime Minister Dr Luc Mercelina.
St. Martin Day will feature cultural presentations along with traditional activities, such as the
“Ringing of the Joy Bells” and the “Wreath-laying Ceremony at the Bellevue Border
Monument”. At 12 noon, the colorful SMaatn National Cultural Parade will take the route from
Jose Lake Sr./John Cooper Ball Park and make its way to the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village.
The Honorable Minister of Education Culture Youth & Sport, Melissa Gumbs shared,
“St. Martin Day is a powerful reminder of who we are as a people — resilient, creative,
and united by a shared history that continues to guide us forward. As we honor the
vision of our forebearers, we embrace the wisdom of Sankofa — learning from our past
to build a brighter, stronger future for our nation. In these times, it is through reflection,
culture, and unity that we continue to shape the story of Sweet St. Maarten Land.”
At the conclusion of the SMaatn National Cultural Parade, dignitaries representing both sides of
the island will make their Official Addresses at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village followed by
the Cultural Manifestation at 6:00 pm which features a number of local artists and local bands that
goes until 11:45 pm.
Persons that are unable to attend in person are invited to visit the Facebook pages of the
Department of Culture & the Government of Sint Maarten, for more updated details and to
view the celebrations LIVE as they happen.
All residents and guests are encouraged to participate in the festivities, fly your Sint Maarten /
St. Martin flags, come dressed in the colors of St. Martin, join in celebrating our identity with
pride and joyful togetherness. Families, community groups, and cultural organizations are
invited to join in showcasing our island’s vibrant cultural heritage. Let us come together to
honor our past, celebrate our present, and build a united future for generations to come.