Grand Case Tuesdays return from 24 February
Les Mardis de Grand Case will return on Tuesday 24 February for six consecutive Tuesdays. This year's edition will focus on the theme of
"Treasures of Grand Case" and will feature a few new additions...
What started out as a neighbourhood party has, over the years, become a major event, now considered the largest local market on the island, eagerly awaited by the population, exhibitors and visiting tourists. Between 5,000 and 7,000 visitors are expected every Tuesday. Since its inception, around 700,000 visitors have strolled along the boulevard during Grand Case Tuesdays. This year's edition will focus on the theme of "Treasures of Grand Case", with the aim of celebrating the village and its inhabitants, whose support remains essential to the event. In parallel with the event, a series of reports dedicated to the inhabitants of Grand Case will be broadcast on social media.
Two parades on the programme
Every Tuesday, between 6pm and 10pm, the boulevard will welcome between 70 and 90 artists, including local bands, carnival dancers and street performers. The usual entertainment will be back, including Dauphin Télécom's Photo Boost, the Food Corner in partnership with the CCISM, and Mardi's Cover, a talent scout supported by BRED. Artists wishing to perform are invited to register in advance by calling 06 90 62 32 99. In terms of new features, parades will take centre stage this year with one at 7pm and a second at 8pm (8.30pm on the 24th only)... with feathers, sequins and rhythm! The neighbourhood Mas will be taking part. The Grand Case drum parade will kick things off, followed by Marigot and then Quartier d'Orléans on the following Tuesdays. The official opening of Mardis de Grand Case is scheduled for Tuesday 24th February at 7pm with the first parade, Island Vibes Sonic Drum Band.
An eco-friendly turning point
A total of 95 exhibitors will be present each Tuesday, including around 20 from outside the area. Security will be reinforced this year with the mobilisation of around fifty agents from private security and law enforcement agencies. In order to ensure better traffic flow, the organiser, Calypso Event, is encouraging the public to carpool and is working on setting up shuttle buses from hotels for tourists.
The estimated budget for this edition is €220,000. More than half of this is devoted to entertainment and technical equipment, and a quarter to energy and electrical installations. With a view to self-sufficiency, and for the first time, solar lighting will be installed along the entire boulevard, supplemented by generators to meet the needs of the food stands and stages.
The Saint-Martin Tourist Office, a partner of the event, has committed to supporting six editions, but there may be a pleasant surprise and a few additional dates if the finances allow. Financial support of €100,000 has been requested from the Collectivité.
