
Your ultimate Carnival carry-on packing guide for 2026—how to travel light, skip checked baggage, and hit the road ready for mas.

Carnival season in St. Maarten / St. Martin (SXM) is pure vibes on both the Dutch and French side of the island. But once the confetti settles and the speakers quiet down, twhen you discover that SXM is more than costumes and soca.

As a born-and-raised St. Maartener, let me tell you this straight — Carnival time is when the island really comes alive. SXM Carnival 2026 is going to be pure vibes: parades, concerts, fetes, and energy that doesn’t stop till sunrise.
