It’s November! Festival de la Gastronomie returns with Passion Fruit as its star ingredient

MARIGOT--St. Martin is preparing once again to showcase its vibrant culinary scene with the fifth edition of the Festival de la Gastronomie, taking place from November 11 to 22, 2025. This year’s celebration will spotlight the passion fruit, a tropical favorite that thrives on the island and offers chefs an opportunity to experiment with both sweet and savory creations. The festival, which has become one of the most anticipated annual events on the French side, invites visitors, locals, and international chefs to come together in a lively mix of competitions, tastings, and cultural exchange.

Organized by the St. Martin Tourist Office, the Festival de la Gastronomie goes beyond food, it is a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community. The festivities will begin with a launch night on November 10, setting the tone for nearly two weeks of culinary events across the island. Early highlights include the “Taste of Sunrise” experience and a series of “four-hands” dinners that pair local chefs with visiting masters for unique, one-night-only collaborations. A Wine and Cheese pairing evening will also return to the program, reflecting St. Martin’s French-Caribbean flair.

The heart of the festival will be the Culinary Village in Marigot on November 14 and 15, where restaurants, food trucks, and artisans will line the waterfront, transforming it into a feast for the senses. Visitors can expect an atmosphere filled with live music, aromas of grilled seafood and Caribbean spices, and opportunities to taste a wide range of dishes prepared by both seasoned chefs and emerging talent. Competitions will take place throughout the week, including a food truck challenge, a BBQ showdown, a student culinary competition, and a mixology contest highlighting the island’s bartending flair.

This year’s edition brings an impressive lineup of culinary leaders. French chef Laurent Huguet serves as the festival’s patron chef, lending his expertise and international perspective to the celebration. Joining him are BBQ legend Kevin Bludso from the United States, chef Jason Santos, known for his inventive comfort cuisine, and mixologist Arthur Sutley, who will lead the judging panels for various competitions. Together with St. Martin’s own chefs, they represent the spirit of collaboration that defines the festival.

Beyond the plates and cocktails, the Festival de la Gastronomie aims to strengthen St. Martin’s reputation as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. It celebrates local ingredients, supports small food producers, and promotes sustainable practices within the hospitality industry. Each event, from the student competition to the final night’s closing ceremony, reflects the island’s blend of tradition and innovation, where French technique meets Caribbean soul.

For food enthusiasts and travelers, the festival offers an authentic and flavorful window into St. Martin’s cultural identity. Whether exploring Marigot’s bustling Culinary Village, savoring a chef’s tasting menu, or simply walking through town and catching the scent of grilled fish in the air, visitors will experience the island’s unique ability to make gastronomy an expression of community.

Tickets, schedules, and cashless payment details are available through the festival’s official website, festival-st-martin.com With its mix of elegance, warmth, and creativity, the 2025 Festival de la Gastronomie promises once again to remind the world why St. Martin’s cuisine is not just food, but a celebration of life itself.

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