Sint Maarten Day in Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten Day falls on November 11 and is a public holiday under the island’s labour legislation. Across the island, it marks a shared identity between the Dutch and French sides through cultural events, ceremonies, and community activities.[1][2]
A shared island celebration
The day is a Sint Maarten–Saint-Martin celebration of shared heritage and identity, rather than a commemoration of Columbus’s sighting of the island. A 2019 address by the Governor described it as a shared moment of celebration and reflection and marked the 60th anniversary of the observance.[2]
The celebration’s meaning is expressed through cooperation between the two sides of the island. The Government of Sint Maarten describes it as a tradition that strengthens ties between the north and south through culture, community, and kinship.[3]
What the law provides
Sint Maarten’s Labour Regulation lists November 11 as a public holiday. It provides employees with at least their normal pay for a public holiday; employees doing scheduled shift work that day are entitled to at least twice their normal pay for those hours.[1]
The law allows the Minister to set the holiday on another date. That is a power to change the date, not an automatic substitute day whenever November 11 falls on a weekend.[1]
Ceremonies, activities, and food
The government’s cultural heritage inventory records an annual November 11 celebration, with the French and Dutch side governments alternating as hosts. It lists swim races, kite-making competitions, dominoes tournaments, cultural parades, food and drink sales, and cook-offs among the activities. Red, white, and blue, the colors of the Sint Maarten flag, are displayed and worn around the island.[2]
Official ceremonies can include a wreath laying at the border monument, cultural presentations, speeches by dignitaries from both sides, and a parade. The government’s heritage inventory also documents traditional food and drink sales as part of the festivities; it does not identify particular dishes as required Sint Maarten Day foods.[2][3]
Planning for the day
The labour legislation sets employee pay entitlements, and a 2025 decree exempts shops in Philipsburg from the public-holiday closure rule for specified dates, including Sint Maarten Day. Check directly with banks, businesses, and service providers for their hours.[1][4]
Parade routes may affect local traffic. Police have issued celebration-day notices describing temporary street closures and restrictions, so check current government and police announcements before travelling near event areas.[5]
Frequently asked questions
When is Sint Maarten Day?
Is it a paid day off?
The Labour Regulation provides employees with at least their normal pay for a public holiday. It also provides at least double pay for employees doing scheduled shift work on the holiday; some workers may still be required to work.[1]
Is Sint Maarten Day celebrated on both sides of the island?
Sources and references
Sources used for Sint Maarten Day in Sint Maarten:
- Arbeidsregeling- Government of Sint Maarten; published through the Dutch government’s official regulations repository
- First National Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Inventory of Sint Maarten- Government of Sint Maarten
- The entire community invited to come out & join in the 66th Annual St. Martin Day Celebration- Government of Sint Maarten
- Tweemaekelijkse officiële uitgave van Sint Maarten — Jaargang 2025, nummer 25- Government of Sint Maarten
- KPSM Implements Operational Safety Plan for Sint Maarten’s Day Celebration- Government of Sint Maarten