THE DAILY HERALD: THE 64TH ST MAARTEN’S DAY PEAKED WITH A VIBRANT CULTURAL PARADE!
Last weekend was the 64th annual St Maarten’s Day celebration, where the Smaatin National Cultural Parade stole the show! Dazzling with a burst of colors, the parade starred cultural groups, national associations, and school troupes flaunting vibrant traditional wear and elaborate costumes that set the streets in colors!
The excitement kicked off with church bells ringing, a wreath-laying ceremony at the majestic Bellevue border monument, and a lineup of political leaders and law enforcement groups strutting their stuff in the Uniformed Parade. Following this power-packed procession were drum bands, Scout and Youth brigades, turning the streets of Philipsburg into a vibrating carnival of sound and rhythm.
The official ceremony at Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village took things up a notch! Speeches echoing themes of unity and shared history were mixed with lively songs, energetic dances, and a jaw-dropping maypole performance by the National Institute of Arts (NIA). And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the ceremony wrapped up with a toast to the island’s future.
But that was not all! The day was packed with energetic sporting events, exclusive private gatherings, and cultural games that added an extra layer of excitement to this spectacular celebration!
Source: The Daily Herald