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Saint-Martin Carnival: the French side's pre-Lent season

Carnival on the French side follows the pre-Lent calendar. In 2026, pre-events began on 17 January and the parades ran in Marigot from 7 to 18 February, ending with the burning of Vaval. The 2027 dates will follow the Mardi Gras calendar.

By SXM Daily ·

Carnival on the French side of the island follows the pre-Lent calendar and ends on Ash Wednesday. In 2026, the parades ran in Marigot from 7 to 18 February, after pre-Carnival events that began on 17 January.

Black-and-white photo of the Marigot waterfront in 1947, with buildings along the shore and boats in the foreground

Photo: Unknown photographer, Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Who organises it

The parades are run by the association Festivités Carnavalesques de Saint-Martin. Because they use public roads, the President of the Collectivité de Saint-Martin issues orders each season that allow the association to parade.

The 2026 season

Pre-Carnival events began on 17 January 2026, according to Le Pélican. The parade dates below come from the Collectivité's road orders and Le Pélican's programme.

  • Saturday 7 February, 5 pm: opening parade
  • Sunday 8 February, 2 pm: children's parade
  • Saturday 14 February, 5 am: J'ouvert
  • Sunday 15 February: main parade
  • Tuesday 17 February: Mardi Gras parade
  • Wednesday 18 February (Ash Wednesday): closing, ending with the burning of Vaval on the water off Marigot

The Collectivité's orders covered parades on public roads through to Ash Wednesday.

What's next

The 2027 dates will again follow the Mardi Gras calendar. Confirm them with the Collectivité de Saint-Martin once its orders for the new season are published. SXM Daily will update this page when they are.

FAQ

Q: When is Carnival on the French side?

A: It follows the pre-Lent calendar and ends on Ash Wednesday. In 2026 the parades ran from 7 to 18 February.

Q: Who organises the French-side Carnival parades?

A: The association Festivités Carnavalesques de Saint-Martin, under road orders from the President of the Collectivité.

Q: When was J'ouvert in 2026?

A: Saturday 14 February, at 5 am.

Q: How does the season end?

A: With the burning of Vaval on the water off Marigot, on Ash Wednesday (18 February in 2026).

Q: When is Carnival 2027?

A: The dates will follow the Mardi Gras calendar. Check with the Collectivité.

Sources

  • https://www.com-saint-martin.fr/en/deliberations_actes/arretes/arretes-du-president---festivites-carnavalesques-de-marigot
  • https://www.lepelican-journal.com/le-programme-du-carnaval-2026/

Source: https://www.com-saint-martin.fr/en/deliberations_actes/arretes/arretes-du-president---festivites-carnavalesques-de-marigot

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