Opening of the Sint Maarten Carnival
This year, the Sint Maarten Carnival celebrates its 55th anniversary. From 10 April to 5 May, the island will be buzzing with 31 days of non-stop festivities.
Parades, concerts and competitions: for this anniversary edition, the organisers of the Sint Maarten Carnival promise a month full of colour. The comprehensive programme is designed to appeal to both locals and tourists. Among the highlights are three major parades, including one of a new kind. From the second day onwards, the illuminated parade will get carnival-goers in the mood. The famous jump-ups will also be making a comeback, with five taking place this year. It is worth noting that the Franco-Dutch unity jump-up is also on the programme for this anniversary edition.
Culture, music and local talent
The carnival will celebrate culture and beauty through four competitions. Among these, the election of the Caribbean Queen will take place on 15 April, whilst the Teenage Carnival Queen contest will be held on 20 April. On the music front, six international concerts will provide the soundtrack to the festivities. A highlight for fans of Caribbean sounds: the return of the Soca Rumble. A tribute concert will be dedicated to Leroy ‘King Beau Beau’ Brooks, celebrating his musical legacy. Finally, the DJ Takeover will feature a show showcasing local DJs.
On Sunday 12 April from 5pm, the Village Cook Up will delight lovers of local cuisine. Several stalls will compete in a friendly contest featuring traditional dishes such as oxtail soup, barbecue chicken and Johnny Cake; an event that celebrates the culinary richness of the carnival.
Let the party continue
To ramp up the excitement even further, the organisers have taken a bold decision: to extend the festivities by a week. To ensure the smooth running of the 2026 edition, enhanced security measures have been put in place. In particular, a new ambulance station has been opened at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village. This operational unit will enable rapid response to ensure the safety of the thousands of participants expected. Beyond the celebrations, this 55th edition symbolises the island’s resilience. An event inextricably linked to local culture, the carnival will boost economic and cultural life over the next four weeks.
