Events
St. Martin Day 2024: French Quarter set to host the 65th official programme
The French side was set to host the official St. Martin Day programme in French Quarter on Monday 11 November 2024, marking 65 years since the holiday was first celebrated in 1959, The Daily Herald reported.
By SXM Daily ·
Reported 7 November 2024.
It was the French side's turn to organise the official St. Martin/St. Maarten Day programme in 2024, with festivities in French Quarter on Monday 11 November, The Daily Herald reported on 7 November 2024.
65 years
In a message ahead of the day, Collectivité President Louis Mussington noted that 2024 marked the 65th anniversary of the celebration, started by the island's two leaders, Dr. Hubert Petit and Dr. Claude Wathey, on 11 November 1959, according to the Herald. Mussington said the day was dedicated to the island's history, culture and heritage and "unites us and makes us stronger together".
The programme
According to the Herald, the day was to start with an ecumenical service at Tabernacle Methodist Church in French Quarter at 8:00am, followed by a wreath-laying at the Border Monument in Belle Plaine at 9:30am. The traditional parade of troupes was set for 10:00am, followed by official speeches and lunch in the Thelbert Carti Stadium car park from 11:00am.
Afternoon and evening entertainment in the stadium car park, organised with the Orleans Rising Sun Fête Committee, was to include DJs, majorettes, dance groups and a fashion show, with Nuff Respect Band closing the day from 9:30pm, the Herald reported.
The 2023 celebration, held on the Dutch side, is covered in St. Martin Day 2023: the Smaatin National Cultural Parade capped the 64th celebration. For this year, see St. Martin Day Celebration set for Wednesday, Nov 11.
Sources
Source: https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/french-side-to-host-official-prog-for-st-martin-st-maarten-day