‘SMAATN National Cultural Parade’: a colourful parade despite the rain
On Sunday 8 November, the island’s cultural parade took place for the first time in the streets of Marigot, with leading the procession, Naïla Parotte, Miss Saint-Martin/Saint-Barth 2026 and Dashaun Prince, Miss Essence & Mind International 2026. Despite the gloomy weather, the SMNCP Foundation and the Saint-Martin Festival of Traditions and Cultures Association accomplished their mission with flying colours.
To mark this shift of the festivities to the French side and to celebrate the participation of both sides of the island, this year’s parade was named ‘St. Martin United’ and featured 34 groups from both parts of the island. Around midday, the procession set off along Rue de Hollande, where many onlookers had gathered to cheer on the participants’ performances and the contestant in the running for the Miss France pageant. Naïla Parotte wore a unique creation by F’eve R Clothing, designed by Marie-Jacqueline Lollia, for the occasion.
A choreographed dance performance then took place on Rue de la République, and the parade continued its circular route via Rue de la Liberté and Rue de Lowtown to Bellevue before returning to the starting point.
Despite a turbulent weekend under a yellow alert, residents and tourists turned out in force and were able to enjoy the facilities of the ‘cultural village’ situated in front of the Jean-Louis Vanterpool Stadium, featuring various stalls selling traditional Saint-Martin dishes and juices.
On the seafront, bands performed after the parade to keep the festivities going until late afternoon.
