Current Events
Great local entertainment suggested by our Concierge.
Please use this guide to plan your stay and, of course, feel free to contact our Concierge for any additional information. These events are regularly updated so please remember to check before your departure for any new suggestions.

Saint Martin / Saint Maarten Carnival
21st April to 5th May 2007

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Every year, just after Easter, Saint Martin (and St Maarten) bursts into music and dance, with the Dutch Carnival. A Calypso competition marks the start of the Carnival and the crowning of the Carnival Calypso King or Queen. The following day starts early (4:00 am) with the Jouvert (pronounced 'Jou-vey') Morning Jump-Up Parade, which lasts until sunrise.

The Balloon Jump-Up Parade follows shortly after and celebrates the opening of the Carnival Village. Other top attractions include the Caribbean Queen Pageant and the largest procession of all, the Grand Carnival Parade. Parades feature floats, and elaborately dressed troupes and dancers winding their way through the streets. Between parades, crowds are entertained by live, steel drum bands and comedians from throughout the Caribbean. The finale features the burning of King Momo, a straw figure who embodies the spirit of Carnival. The legend says that in burning King Momo, all sins and bad luck of the village are forgiven or cleansed, purifying the island and filling it with optimism for the future.

A visit to Carnival Village, an area two blocks from Front Street, is a must. Housing more than 100 food booths that offer a delicious selection of local and typical Carnival fare, such as conch and dumplings, open-pit barbequed chicken, and Johnny cakes and sea-moss (a drink made of sea weed and brandy), it is hard to resist and definitely worth trying.

Please note that although the festival lasts from April to May, most events take place at weekends only.

9ème Festival du Rire (9th Comedy Festival)
17th to 27th May 2007

A week of stage performance by renowned comedians. Events take place in various locations throughout the island, which are still to be announced. A range of celebrities that have taken place in the past include Jean Roucas, Titoff, Florence Foresti, Franck Dubosc, Popek, Chevalier-Laspalès, Jamel Debouze , Yves Lecocq and Elie Semoun.

This year may see the return of some previous performers, but, with the addition of up-and-coming artists and others, new only to the Saint Martin Festival du Rire, it promises to be an entertaining event and an occasion to enjoy. Marion Dumas is one of the unmissable acts scheduled for the 8th Festival du Rire, this year.

Organised and produced by Michel Coubard (St Martin week), Arnaud Delbare Director of the l'Olympia (Paris) and Vincent Chretien (from Rires et Chansons radio station).

Water Sport Festival
21st to 22nd May 2007

Two days devoted to the river, lake and sea, the Water Sports Festival is an opportunity to encourage both visitors and local inhabitants to (re-)discover and respect the maritime environment, with the participation of the maritime reserve of Saint Martin. Various free activities are offered to the public, giving visitors the chance to discover different water sports, including jet-skiing, kayaking and windsurfing. (Free tuition is offered).

Departures from Fort Louis marina on a yacht ascend through the Anguilla channel towards Grand Case and back. Motorboat excursions are also offered, leaving land behind and allowing one to appreciate the view of the island from the open sea. Visitors may also take place in a sailing regatta, after registering as a crew member for one of 28 races which will take place.

10th Billfish Deep-Sea Fishing Tournament
12th to 17th June 2007

This annual tournament runs over 4 days, including 3 days fishing with a ‘day-off’ in between. Inviting over 30 boats, and fishermen, from the Caribbean and internationally, it is one of the largest events of its type. Over the past few years, the Billfish Deep-Sea Fishing Tournament has become one of the most important events on the island of Saint Martin, and this 10th anniversary is set to continue this tradition.

All sorts of events and activities are organised for the post-fishing evenings and the ‘day-off’, keeping everyone entertained from start to finish. Ambience is guaranteed, as with all events on this lively Caribbean island, and non-fishing enthusiasts are warmly invited to take part in all activities, should they so wish.

St Maarten/St Martin Summer Fest
Marigot
21st to 30th July 2007

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The St Maarten/St Martin Summer Fest gets the tiny island pulsating to the sounds of latin, soca, jazz, reggae, R&B and gospel music. A separate evening is dedicated to each genre, with events taking place at the Marigot waterfront in Saint Martin, and also in Sint Maarten, offering participation in the festivities to both the Dutch and French residents of the island.

The president of the Summer Fest is Mr. Clarence Derby, who is widely regarded as one of the island’s best songwriters and also one of the most prestigious events organisers. He contributes greatly to the island’s music and events, playing a large part in the organisation of the Carnival. His ‘objective as President of the St. Maarten/St. Martin Summer Fest is to develop a unique summer festival stretching over all the weekends of July annually providing the best entertainment with the intention of making St. Maarten/St. Martin Summer Fest the number one summer festival destination in the Caribbean’ (www.stmaartensummerfest.com).

This year’s 4th annual Fest will be a fabulous occasion, featuring renowned national and international artists, as in previous years. Last year’s performers included Damian "Jr Gong" Marley, the Freedom Fighters, Kirk Franklin and Akon.