ST. MAARTEN CULTURE
The cultural diversity of St. Maarten springs from its historical role as a crossroads for visitors to the New World. Dutch, French and British traders brought European traditions, while the Africans brought the language and culture of West Africa. Today the range of influences is reflected in the number of languages spoken. Dutch is the official language, but English is taught in schools and spoken everywhere, while other common languages are Spanish and Papiamento, the dialect of the Netherlands Antilles. St. Maarten's premier cultural event is its annual Carnival, which includes parades, calypso competitions, reggae shows, and an endless array of stands serving traditional island food.
The other side of the island...
St. Martin is a melting pot of French and African cultures, with more recent immigrants also adding to the mix. Like the rest of the Caribbean, its
tropical climate has created a slow, languorous pace of life, in which music and food play a highly important role.
From Parisian petit-fours to Creole chicken, St Martin is a gourmet paradise. The island is most famous for its fine French cuisine but, reflecting its population, also offers a multicultural mix of African and other culinary influences. Pâtisseries and upscale French restaurants rub shoulders with traditional lolos (sidewalk barbecues) and waterfront bars. Dishes range from plantain, peas and rice to frogs legs and foie gras. French wine, locally brewed rum (including Dutch Sint Maarten's very own guavaberry liqueur), fruity cocktails and beer all compete to refresh the island palate.
St. Martin is home to a prolific group of artists. Their output includes one-of-a-kind cocoa-pod masks with an African/Asian influence, flowing sarongs and painted calabash gourds. Typical Caribbean sounds - calypso, steel pan music and the French beguine and zouk - as well as jazz and more modern music can be heard on the island.
Religion is another factor shaping St Martin. Despite seemingly relaxed attitudes towards topless and nude bathing, neatness in dress and politeness go a long way in predominantly Catholic St Martin. French is the official language - although most people speak English and Creole too. Of the 35,000 people who live on St Martin only about 20% were born there; the rest have come seeking work in the tourist industry. Many of the people who run small hotels, restaurants and shops are from mainland France, and there is also a sizable Spanish-speaking community that has immigrated from the Dominican Republic.
RESOURCES
St. Martin's Official Web site
Random Wind Charters
America's Cup Yacht Racing
The Butterfly Farm
Everything St. Maarten
Resource for Activities