Carnaval de St. Martin
When is the 2027 Carnaval de St. Martin?
The Carnaval de St. Martin will occur from January 30, 2027 to February 10, 2027.
Where is the Carnaval de St. Martin celebrated?
Carnaval de St. Martin is celebrated in Marigot, the capital of the French side of St. Martin.
What is Carnaval de St. Martin?
The Carnaval de Saint-Martin on the French side of the island is a vibrant celebration that mirrors the rich cultural mosaic of the French Caribbean. Commonly held from late January to Ash Wednesday, this festival is characterized by its colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and a festive atmosphere that envelops the island. Revelers, adorned in feathers, sequins, and beads, take to the streets to the rhythm of zouk, soca, and calypso, showcasing the island’s dynamic culture and artistic flair.
During the carnival, the streets of Saint-Martin burst with life as locals and visitors alike participate in various events, including dance performances and music shows that capture the spirit of the community. The Grand Parade is particularly noteworthy, featuring groups that perform detailed dance routines which often reflect the island’s history and traditions. Alongside the parades, food vendors offer a mix of French and Caribbean delicacies, enriching the carnival experience with flavors that are as diverse as the attendees. This festivity not only provides entertainment but also strengthens the bonds within the community, celebrating their heritage and collective spirit.
What to Expect at Carnaval de St. Martin?
When attending the Carnaval de St. Martin on the French side, prepare for a dynamic and immersive experience. This vibrant festival kicks off with colorful street parades, where masqueraders in feathered and jeweled costumes dance to the rhythmic beats of local music, including zouk and soca. The atmosphere is festive and inclusive, encouraging all to join in the dance and revelry. Along the parade routes, expect a variety of food vendors serving up local and French-inspired cuisine, creating a delightful gastronomic experience. Each day brings different events, so it’s wise to check the schedule in advance to catch key performances and contests that highlight the creativity and culture of St. Martin.
Here are some highlights attendees can look forward to:
Mardi Gras Parade
Held on Fat Tuesday, this parade is the culmination of the carnival festivities, featuring the most elaborate costumes and the most spirited celebrations, marked by a high energy level as the community enjoys the final moments of the carnival season.
Grand Parades
A central highlight, this parade features participants in intricate, eye-catching costumes, displaying a rich blend of cultural expressions through dance and music that engage spectators from across the globe.
J’ouvert Morning
A highlight for many, J’ouvert (pronounced "joo-vay") begins in the early morning hours with revelers dancing in the streets, covered in paint, powder, or mud. This event is fueled by high-energy soca and calypso music.
Food Stalls
Throughout the carnival, attendees can also savor a wide array of culinary delights at numerous food stalls that line the parade routes, offering both local and international flavors that provide a tasty complement to the visual and auditory feast.
2026 Carnaval de St. Martin Schedule
Last Lap – Closing Jump Up + Burning of the Momo
Date: Feb 18, 2026
Time: From 20:00 (8PM) — Burning of the Momo at 23:00 (11PM)
Location: Rond Point Agrément → Rue de la Hollande → Rue de la République → Rue de la Liberté → Rue du Président Kennedy → Rue Low Town → Rue de la Hollande → Rue de la République → Boulevard de France (End: Front de Mer, Marigot Bay)
The Carnival season wraps up in high spirits with Swalika Déboulé and the Closing Jump Up, a final burst of music, movement, and joy through the streets of Marigot.
Carnaval Quest: Scavenger Hunt
Date: Feb 21, 2026
Time: 14:00 (2PM)
Location: Marigot, St. Martin
Carnaval Quest is an interactive scavenger hunt that invites participants to explore Marigot through fun challenges and Carnival-themed activities.
Tap the “ViewAllEvents” button to check for program updates directly from the organizer and the full carnival schedule. Note that changes or cancellations to the carnival schedule are beyond our control.
How to Get to St. Martin for Carnival?
St. Martin is easy to reach whether you’re coming from elsewhere in the Caribbean, North America, or internationally.
- Fly into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), located about 25 minutes from Marigot on the French side. The airport has flights from cities including New York, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Washington, Panama City, Montreal, Toronto, Paris, and Amsterdam.
- Grand Case-Espérance Airport (SFG) on the French side is located about 15 minutes from Marigot. This airport mainly handles regional flights from islands including Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Barthélemy, Dominica, and San Juan.
- Ferries also connect the French side with nearby islands. From Marigot Ferry Terminal, you can catch ferries to Anguilla and St. Barths.
To score the best Carnival fares, compare prices across top travel sites like:
KAYAK – Perfect for comparing flight prices at a glance.
Expedia – Ideal if you want to bundle your flight + hotel.
Trip.com – Great for flexible travel dates and multilingual support.
Where Should You Stay During Carnaval de St. Martin?
The French capital, Marigot, is the best base for Carnival since most parades and cultural events happen there. Nearby Grand Case is also a great choice, offering boutique hotels and world-renowned dining. For more resort-style stays, Orient Bay and the Dutch side (Philipsburg or Simpson Bay) provide plenty of options, though you’ll need to commute for events.
Use the above map to find and book stays near the Carnival parade route!
How to Get Around St. Martin During Carnival?
Getting around St Martin during Carnival is easy thanks to the island’s small size and short travel times between Marigot and the main event areas.
- Walking: The best way to enjoy the festivities in busy areas, especially once you are in Marigot and near the main parade routes.
- Local Buses: Minibuses connect Marigot with places like Grand Case, French Quarter, Orient Bay, and even Philipsburg on the Dutch side.
- Taxis: Taxis are widely available and especially useful for getting to parties, hotels, and late-night Carnival events.
- Rental Cars: Handy for exploring the island at your own pace, especially if you want to visit Grand Case, Orient Bay, Anse Marcel, or beaches.
- Ferries: Ferries are handy if you are staying in Anguilla or St. Barths and planning to visit the French side during Carnival.
What Else Can You Do in St. Martin During Carnival?
Here’s how to keep the Carnival vibez flowing on St. Martin:
Looking for More Carnival Travel Advice?
We’ve gathered some of our best Carnival travel blogs to help you plan for the St. Martin Carnival and other festivals worldwide:
Handy Travel Resources for Your Carnival Trip
Expedia
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Hostelworld
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Welcome Pickups
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Tripadvisor
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AirHelp
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