People of our beloved St. Martin and all our visiting friends and family, it’s Carnival time again and I wish to invite you to join in this unique festival that brings us together like no other event or activity we have been able to conceive. This year around, it will be short and sweet like never before. From April 25th to May 3rd, it’s fêting time on the Rock!

Carnival is, indeed, the most comprehensive, exhilarating, exuberant and most cohesive expression of our culture. Music, dance, song, costume design, and all the art forms combine together in a melodious, harmonious, and, I would add, glorious display of what really makes us tick as a people.

One outstanding and unique aspect of our Carnival is the main venue where it all happens: the Festival Village (still to many of us the “Carnival Village”). This is where, as “villagers,” we converge each night and day to revel in our commonalities, to revive friendships and love; to hear the latest “melee” either at the booths of our choice, while downing some finger-licking food washed with our favorite brew, or on stage through the unbridled wisdom of our kaisonians, who are the Village griots.

Whatever the case may be, the spirit of Carnival is one that unifies and makes us forget about all our differences and our worries. No matter what you choose to do, let the spirit guide and move you.

Apart from being “The Friendly Island,” we are a jolly, fun-loving people who create our own space to unwind and rejuvenate in peace and harmony. This is why we can face the challenges of life with resolute optimism, knowing that our hopes and aspirations will never be defeated if we remain true to who we are.

Enjoy the explosion of colors at the parades; the pulsating rhythms of our calypsos and road marches; the feverish fun, pageantry, and yes, the family affair of the Queen shows; the inimitable J’Ouvert Morning jam; and the camaraderie of our everyday folk.
Have a safe and pleasant Carnival season.