Wow! I am shocked that the Dutch side Carnival is here. I mean, I knew it was coming (it takes place every year in April). I have seen the billboards go up, the stage being built on the side of Pondfill Road. It’s impossible not to know that it’s Carnival season.
Perhaps it’s because I have been so absorbed in making waves within my brand, pivoting into mindfulness, retreats, coaching, and barely leaving my house that when I finally got into my car to pick up some guests for what is one of the last private island tours that I will be doing, I was absolutely shocked to realize that we were already in the midst of it.
I have to be honest and say that I am not a Carnival person, definitely not like the average St. Maartener is. So, that could well be the main reason why I have been oblivious to all the Carnival-related happenings, and I must apologize to you that I am only posting about Carnival now. This blog post should have been out into the world for all of you to read weeks ago!
Better late than never, I say in this case. Get ready for an explosion of color, loud music, and pure island vibes. Carnival here is a massive celebration filled with energy and excitement. So, let’s dive into a few of the important things you need to know about the Dutch side Carnival, as well as how to participate in the festivities if you’re planning a trip to St. Maarten during this time.
1. Join the Jouvert Morning Celebration
One of the absolute highlights of St. Maarten’s carnival is the Jouvert Morning. This is the ultimate party before the parade—a wild street fest that starts at 4 in the morning. Imagine dancing through the streets with soca music blaring, getting loose and free! If you are interested in participating, all you have to do is wait by the side of the road and join in on the fun when the gyrating crowd passes you by.
I suggest wearing old clothes or clothing you don’t mind ever wearing again because it can get wet and there may or may not be color powder involved. There will definitely be plenty of booze and perhaps even a foam party in the midst of it all. If you would like to witness or participate in Jouvert Morning, I would tell you to embrace the chaos of this unique experience.
Insider tip: Parts of the Philipsburg area will be inaccessible during Jouvert Morning between 3 am and 11 am, as roads are temporarily closed at key locations to allow the passing of this moving party.
2. Attend the Grand Parade
The Grand Parade is the crown jewel of the Carnival season. Expect decorated floats, colorful costumes, lots of feathers and bikinis, and infectious rhythms echoing through Philipsburg. The parade starts on Scot Road, turns onto Bush Rush, goes over the Prins Bernard Bridge, wind through Pondfill, turn onto Percy Labega Street, take “Downstreet”, go up Frontstreet, then Emmaplein and back via Pondfill to the Carnival Village.
Find a good spot, cheer along, and maybe even join in the dance!
Insider tips: The most popular spots to catch the grand parade (in my opinion) are on the Carrefour parking lot, by the traffic lights right after the Prins Bernard Bridge, on Pondfill Road, anywhere on Front Street, but especially across the Court House and in front of Holland House Beach hotel, where you most likely find me and my friends.
If you miss the Grand Parade on April 30th, you can catch it again on May 1st, although the second day is usually much more relaxed than the first.
3. The Carnival Village
The Carnival Village is the epicenter of everything Carnival-related. This is where most of the Carnival shows, the pageants, concerts, and competitions are held. It is also where the grand parade ends on April 30th and May 1st, and not to mention the conclusion of the Carnival season with the burning of King Momo. But what I, and most people look forward to about the Carnival Village is the food. OMG, this is where you will find the best in local food and even food from other Caribbean destinations like Suriname and Trinidad.
I suggest pacing yourself as you taste your way through the village. Expect all sorts of mouthwatering local deliciousness like Johnny cake, BBQ ribs and chicken, conch fritters, oyster soup, goat water, and not to mention all the alcoholic concoctions and shots available at the different booths and stalls.
Insider tips: the village is usually open to the public during the day and is quite the hotspot for lunch but at night time there might be a cover charge, especially on nights when there is a concert or some sort of event going on on the main stage.
4. Other Must-Know information about the St. Maarten Carnival Season
- Public Holidays: April 27th and 30th, and May 1st are official Public Holidays. Expect all banks, government offices, and most stores on the Dutch side to be closed. There may also be fewer buses available on the road. This is not a French side holiday, so it will be business as usual over on that side.
- Road Closures: Roads in and out of Philipsburg will start to close from 10 am on April 30th, the day of the Grand Parade. These road closures are temporary and happen as the parade moves along. If you are coming from the Simpson Bay area to experience the parade, it’s important to know that you may not be able to access Philipsburg through the usual roads, depending of course on the time you get there.
- Protect Yourself: You may stand in the hot sun for a while before the parade reaches you. Wear comfortable and light clothes and don’t forget your sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen. Bonus point if that sunscreen is environment- and reef-safe. And for heaven’s sake, don’t forget to hydrate (with water and not only with beer)
- Be Camera-Ready: You are going to want to capture the colors and vibrancy of the experience, especially on parade day. Don’t forget your camera and make sure it’s charged and ready!
- Twerk Alert: Be ready to see a lot more than just vibrant colors and happy faces. Carnival brings with it a lot of grinding and what non-Caribbean people call ‘Twerking” on the streets. Some of the costumes might also be quite revealing. If you are easily offended by this behavior, Carnival might not be for you. May I suggest a day on the beach instead?
- Embrace the Spirit: Don’t be shy—join in the festivities, interact with locals, and dare to move your hips to the delicious beats of Soca music.
So, whether you’re a carnival enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable local experience, St. Maarten’s Carnival won’t disappoint. Get ready to dance, eat, and celebrate like never before!
I hope this guide helps you make the most of your Carnival adventure on beautiful St. Maarten. Have a fantastic time, and I look forward to seeing all your Carnival moments on social media. Don’t forget to tag me @thetravelingislandgirl and if you see me during the festivities, come up and say “Hi”.
Until the next post!
