St. Maarteners in the Netherlands mark St. Martin Day with pride, and cultural unity

THE HAGUE, THE NETHERLANDS--The Sint Maarten community in the Netherlands came together on Saturday, November 8, to celebrate St. Martin Day 2025 with a lively showcase of island culture, music, and togetherness at De Broodfabriek in Rijswijk.

Under the theme “Sankofa: Learning from the Past to Build for the Future,” the event brought together hundreds of Sint Maarteners, students, professionals, and friends of the island for a day filled with performances, food, art, and cultural pride.

Organized by the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary in collaboration with Small Island Unity (SIU), the celebration featured a full program of entertainment, including steelpan music, a brass band, traditional dance, and performances by Caribbean talents such as Ebony Empress, Big Mac, and DJ Bean. Guests browsed local vendor stalls, sampled familiar island dishes, and enjoyed the unmistakable energy of home.

Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell used her address to reflect on the deeper meaning of the occasion and the value of unity within the diaspora.

“Today, we celebrate not only the beauty and resilience of our island, but the spirit of unity that binds us, One island, One people, two nations, yet one heart,” she said. “Our diaspora is not a distant community, it is an untapped asset, full of talent, innovation, and belonging that Sint Maarten needs now more than ever.”

Drs. Arrindell also shared updates on recent Cabinet initiatives, including the creation of the Sint Maarten Diaspora Database—designed to connect students, professionals, and entrepreneurs living abroad—and continued youth-focused partnerships such as the Cari-Aire Internship Program and academic collaborations with Dutch universities.

“Through these initiatives,” she added, “we are strengthening the bridge between home and abroad, ensuring that Sint Maarteners everywhere remain part of our nation’s story.”

As the sounds of bouyon and soca filled the room, the celebration transformed into a true reunion of island pride, reminding all present of the shared identity that connects Sint Maarteners across borders.

Attendee Candy Hazel summed up the atmosphere: “Over the past two years, I’ve seen the visibility of Sint Maarten in the Netherlands grow tremendously. This celebration was once again amazing.”

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