Carnaval de Saint Martin
February 7 – February 18 AST
If you are sailing the Caribbean between February and March, the French side of Saint-Martin offers a colourful and joyful experience: Carnaval de Saint-Martin. It is a great reason to stop your boat and enjoy the local culture during your cruise.
Carnaval in Saint-Martin is full of energy, music, dancing, and tradition. The celebration lasts for several weeks, but the big events usually happen in the two weeks before Ash Wednesday (start of Lent). The main town of Marigot becomes the centre of fun, with parades, concerts, and street food every day and night.
What makes Carnaval de Saint-Martin special?
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French-Caribbean mix: The carnival mixes French traditions with African, Creole, and Caribbean influences. This creates a unique style, with colourful costumes and powerful rhythms.
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Day and night events: You can enjoy family-friendly parades during the day and lively street parties at night.
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Cultural shows: Dance groups, steel bands, and traditional music fill the streets. It’s a great way to discover the island’s identity.
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“Grand Parade” and “Burning of King Vaval”: These are the two biggest moments. The Grand Parade is full of beauty and sound, and the symbolic “burning” of King Vaval closes the carnival with emotion and meaning.
For sailors, Saint-Martin is an ideal stop. There are safe and modern marinas on both the French and Dutch sides of the island: Marina Fort Louis, Princess Port de Plaisance, Lagooon Marina, Simpson Bay Yacht Club…).
Marigot Bay, on the French side, is close to the carnival action. You can anchor your boat and walk into town to enjoy the shows. Shops, French bakeries (Sarafina in Marina Royale is an institution), marine services, and markets are easy to reach.
During the carnival, local people are welcoming and happy to share their traditions. It’s a great chance to meet islanders and other travelers in a friendly atmosphere.
So if you are cruising the Caribbean in early spring, make Saint-Martin one of your stops.
Drop anchor, follow the drums, and enjoy the spirit of Saint-Martin “The friendly island“!