11 November: two celebrations, two atmospheres
Armistice Day and Saint Martin’s Day are celebrated on the same day, 11 November. Whilst the former refers to French history and serves as a tribute to the soldiers, the latter, which is more festive, is linked to the discovery of the island. Both give rise to celebrations, ceremonies or parades.
Separated by several centuries, ancient and modern history converge on the same date: 11 November. From the great explorations of the 15th century to the upheavals of the 20th century, this day invites us to step back in time and revisit two eras which, each in their own way, have shaped the history of France and the destiny of the island.
Armistice: the duty to remember
11 November 1918 marks the end of fighting in the First World War (1914–1918) on the Western Front. The armistice was signed by Marshal Foch (Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces), Admiral Wemyss on behalf of the British, and Matthias Erzberger on behalf of the German delegation. It was not, at that time, a definitive peace, but a suspension of hostilities. The firing officially ceased on the front at 11.00 am, signalled by bugles and church bells throughout France. The official peace treaty was not signed in Versailles until 28 June 1919.
This important date in French history will be celebrated in Saint-Martin on Tuesday 10 November at the Prefecture during a formal ceremony.
Saint Martin’s Day: the union of a territory
Christopher Columbus is said to have sighted the island on 11 November 1493, the feast day of Saint Martin of Tours. However, it was not until 1959 that the local authorities, both in the north and south, decided to establish this festival to celebrate the unity and friendship between the two communities and cross-border cooperation. It is therefore traditional for the festivities to be organised alternately on the French and Dutch sides of the island. For the 2026 edition, the Quartier d’Orléans will be the setting for the celebrations.
As every year, the day will begin with an ecumenical service to be held at the Tabernacle Methodist Church. This will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony by representatives of the local authorities at the Quartier d’Orléans border monument. The parade, featuring military and folk troupes, will take place on the main road at 11.00 am. The official ceremony and the customary speeches will bring the first part of the celebrations to a close.
The festivities will continue in the afternoon in the car park of Thelbert Carti Stadium, from 2.00 pm, with MC Phoxx, DJ Lil Cuz and King Timo on the decks, whilst everyone waits for the entertainment to begin: games organised by Funtopia and a U15 football match on the pitch at Thelbert Carti Stadium at 3.00 pm, followed by a food challenge at 3.30 pm, and the Miss Quartier d’Orléans pageant at 4.00 pm. The music will resume at 6 pm, just before the U20 football match, and continue throughout the evening with a series of performances: DJ Siw’Roo and 3G Units Band (8 pm), Bottle Neck Crew (9.00 pm), Shill Ful Band (10.00 pm) and DJ Six’Roo again (11.00 pm).
