PHILIPSBURG:--- Carnival 2025 has officially ended, leaving behind a trail of vibrant energy, cultural pride, and community unity. Reflecting the island’s rich traditions and creativity, this year’s festivities were both a nostalgic celebration and a stepping stone toward the future. Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten shared insights into Carnival's success and plans for continuous improvement.
Reflecting on Success and Strengthening Partnerships
Minister Heyliger-Marten congratulated the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) on its dedication and hard work in organizing the 2025 events. Highlighting SCDF's vital role, she announced ongoing discussions to finalize a multi-year partnership agreement (MOU). This agreement aims to bolster the foundation's financial stability and support its operational needs.
"The MOU reflects our long-term commitment to ensuring a seamless and elevated Carnival experience for years to come," Heyliger-Marten stated, emphasizing the government’s support in alleviating operational costs and enhancing the festival’s impact.
Booth Competition Celebrates Creativity
This year's major highlight was the booth competition, where creativity and adherence to Carnival-themed aesthetics took center stage. Booth 19, Windsor Gardens, clinched the top prize for its vibrant décor and festive spirit. This win secures Windsor Gardens an automatic spot on the Carnival 2026 strip with their booth fee waived.
"The booths this year exemplified the creativity and passion of our people," the Minister said, adding that the overall cooperation of booth holders in maintaining a clean and orderly environment was highly appreciated. Booth holders were reminded to vacate the Carnival strip and remove all booths by Sunday, May 11th.
Vibrant Parades and Social Media Buzz
The 2025 Carnival parades were another stunning highlight. The parades dazzled participants and spectators with vibrant costumes and dynamic performances. Heyliger-Marten congratulated troupe leaders for their vision and creativity, recognizing their contributions to the festival's success.
Social media also played a pivotal role in amplifying Carnival’s reach globally. The Minister noted a rise in user-generated content promoting Sint Maarten as a cultural hotspot. Plans for 2026 include streamlining influencer marketing by encouraging official hashtags to enhance digital branding and global visibility.
"Hashtags are more than just trends; they are essential tools for organizing content and promoting our island to international audiences," Heyliger-Marten explained.
Addressing Public Safety and Community Values
Despite the overall success, concerns about public safety emerged during Carnival. The Police Department reported multiple altercations, resulting in ten arrests. Heyliger-Marten urged parents to engage with their children about responsible behavior, specifically addressing issues of underage intoxication.
“Our children reflect the values we instill in them. Let’s guide them to enjoy our culture responsibly and respectfully,” she appealed, calling for a unified community effort to maintain Carnival as a family-friendly celebration.
Revitalizing Local Music and Artistic Identity
The Minister highlighted an area for improvement in future Carnivals: promoting local music. This year saw a decline in new, original local tracks and limited support from local radio stations. Additionally, including vulgar and inappropriate music during family-oriented events was a cause for concern.
"Carnival is a national celebration that welcomes all age groups. We must ensure that the music reflects respect, responsibility, and cultural pride," Heyliger-Marten stated. The upcoming MOU with the SCDF will include clear guidelines on lyrical content. The government plans to work closely with local artists, songwriters, and producers to jumpstart local music initiatives.
Encouraging DJs, bands, and artists to prioritize local sounds, the Minister hinted at exciting plans for 2026, saying, "Something great is coming next year. Stay tuned."
Looking Ahead
Carnival 2025 has left a lasting mark, celebrating tradition while identifying areas for growth. From fostering creative expression through booth competitions to addressing public safety and strengthening the island’s cultural identity through local music, St. Maarten is looking ahead to an even brighter future.
"All in all, Carnival 2025 brought back a wave of nostalgia while highlighting the strength of our cultural identity," Heyliger-Marten concluded. With preparations already in motion, the countdown to Carnival 2026 has officially begun.
