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Emancipation Day 2023: Sint Maarten marked 160 years since abolition under the theme 'Born Free'

On 1 July 2023 Sint Maarten marked the 160th anniversary of the 1863 abolition of slavery with a church service and a Freedom March under the theme 'Born Free'.

By SXM Daily · July 1, 2023

Reported 1 July 2023.

Sint Maarten marked Emancipation Day on 1 July 2023, the 160th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Dutch Caribbean on 1 July 1863. The Department of Culture organised the official programme under the theme "Born Free", according to The Daily Herald.

Photo: Dr. Thomas Liptak / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, illustrative

The programme

The day began with an ecumenical service at the Saints Simon and Jude Anglican Church on Back Street, Philipsburg, followed by a Freedom March along the Boardwalk to the Sports Park, the Herald reported.

A report on the commemoration published by SXMElections listed among those taking part Governor Ajamu Baly, Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs, Collectivité President Louis Mussington and Dutch State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Alexandra van Huffelen.

Why 1 July

Slavery ended on the French side in 1848 and on the Dutch side in 1863. For the full history and how both sides mark it today, see our explainer on emancipation and the abolition of slavery in St. Martin and our public holidays guide.

Sources

• https://www.thedailyherald.sx/supplements/out-n-about/official-emancipation-day-celebration-programmes-across-the-sss-islands
• https://sxmelections.com/news/57007/st-maarten-commemorates-12th--annual-emancipation-day-event

Source: https://sxmelections.com/news/57007/st-maarten-commemorates-12th--annual-emancipation-day-event