Lifestyle on Saint Martin : Discover

Discover Saint Martin : Lifestyle

Lifestyle

Despite its obvious ties with the French West Indies, Saint Martin’s socio-cultural characteristics are quite unlike those of Martinique or Guadeloupe. The economic phase following the Second World War oriented the island towards a wholly different horizon than the rest of the Antillean region, and its multi-ethnic population and partitioned political status all contributed to the fact that Saint Martin is really one of a kind, comparable maybe only to itself. “Aboriginal” Saint Martiners account for not more than 20% of the total population, and the rest is composed of groups of backgrounds varying from Metropolitan France to Haiti, each having brought along their own traditions, which eventually resulted in a great jumble of cultures and customs.

So, taking an afternoon walk on the island, be prepared to pass through a multitude of countries and nations: you will come across the aperitif atmosphere of Marseille in the marina or the on beach; the French Riviera’s terraces; the small, colourful markets; sounds of compa music (the Haiti version of Brazilian salsa), meringue (from Dominica and Puerto Rico), reggae and its varieties (Roots, Dub, etc) and the indispensable ragga (brainwave of the famous U-Roy); funny-looking foodstalls where Dominicans or Haitians drink their late afternoon rum; children playing on the streets like they would in Saint Domingue; evening celebrations of Caribbean sounds and dancing; street vendors of Philipsburg fresh from the markets of New Delhi… all living together in perfect harmony and mutual understanding, displaying their cultural variegation on every possible occasion, though most obviously during carnival season.

Important dates

January : The carnival begins right after New Years Day in the French part of the island, and lasts for about a month, though it is less spectacular than the one on Martinique or Guadeloupe. A major occasion in Grand Case is “Harmony Night”, a gastronomic and handicraft event held every Tuesday from January to May.

March : The middle of the Lent season is celebrated by parades all through the month. The world-famous international sailing competition, the five-day Heineken Regatta is not to be missed, as it is a great chance to meet the most well-known sailors of the profession. This race is followed by the SXM challenge, a four-day competition of windsurfing and kitesurf. The month of March ends with the customary religious holidays: Good Friday, Easter Sunday (with its traditional picnic on the beach) and Easter Monday.

May : Another illustrious date in the maritime calendar is the Sailing Show (Fete du Nautisme) which is held during the beginning of the month of May. The 27th celebrates the abolishment of slavery, and the month ends with the bicycle Grand Prix.

June : The four-day Fishing Tournament is followed by the Festival of Food and Tradition. Pentecost Sunday and Monday precede the longest day of the year, the 21st, which is also celebrated as Music Day.

July : Animated Caribbean evenings debut with the beginning of the European summer. Concerts are organised every Friday night vibrating with a great variety of Caribbean tunes and atmosphere.

October : : All Saints on the Tropics is an event to watch out for, cemeteries light up with a myriad of candles and tradition can be felt all around.

December : Preparations for the end of the year begin in the month of November with the Great Christmas Decoration Competition, and last throughout the rest of the Christmas period.