Reimagining St. Martin Day: Building a Cultural Weekend of Legacy and Pride

Every year, we come together on November 11th to celebrate St. Martin Day — a day meant to remind us of who we are as a people, of our shared history, and of the island that binds us. Yet, as we look around, we must be honest with ourselves: how we observe this day has evolved, and perhaps, it’s time our approach evolves with it.

I know this opinion may not sit well with everyone, but I believe it’s time we transform St. Martin Day into something bigger; a St. Martin Cultural Weekend, one that truly reflects our heritage, history, and identity as a people.

Let me explain why.

Over the years, we have tried to bring back “culture” through Carnival, but the truth is that Carnival, as we once knew it, is long gone. It has outgrown its cultural roots and become largely commercialized, a major entertainment product rather than a true reflection of our traditions. There’s nothing wrong with growth or evolution, but it does mean that we can no longer rely on Carnival to tell our story or preserve our heritage.

St. Martin Day, however, still holds that potential. It is the one day that both sides of the island unite under one flag, one history, and one identity. If we want to reignite that cultural flame and pass on something meaningful to future generations, this is where our energy should go.

Imagine a St. Martin Cultural Weekend filled with historical reenactments, traditional games, food fairs, local art showcases, cultural parades, and community exchanges between North and South. A weekend that not only entertains but educates; one that gives our young people a reason to feel proud of their roots and our elders a chance to see their traditions honored and remembered.

We cannot keep fighting to “bring back” what has already gone. Instead, we can build forward, with intention, unity, and pride. Let’s make St. Martin Day more than just a day off from work; let’s make it a living celebration of who we are and the stories we continue to write together.

Our culture deserves more than nostalgia. It deserves evolution.

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