PHILIPSBURG–Minister of Culture Jorien Wuite and Department of Culture Head Clara Reyes wished the public a happy and safe Carnival 2018 as the Carnival Village was opened on Thursday evening.
“St. Maarten Carnival has become a cultural force to be reckoned with and an iconic staple in St. Maarten’s annual calendar of events. Post-Lent, this is a time for creatives and revellers, private and public entities, residents and visitors, young people and older generations to feast, fête, entertain and unwind.
“St. Maarten Carnival has evolved from a local celebration to a major regional and international festival attracting patrons from all corners of the world,” according to the Ministry in a press release Thursday.
“This Ministry aims to form a close partnership with the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) and strengthen our role in culture and the creative industries such as music festivals by supporting and promoting cultural Carnival activities and events when possible; in particular tomorrow evening’s Culture Night,” stated Wuite.
“The Carnival season is highly anticipated annually and there are many cultural aspects of it; traditional and contemporary, tangible and intangible,” Reyes said.
Under the vision and efforts of Carnival pioneers such as former Governor Reinier O. van Delden, Jocelyn Arndell, Johan Dijkhoffz and Alexis Arnell, Carnival was born and began to take shape.
“Today, under the innovative leadership of the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation team past and present, St. Maarten Carnival has become a full-fledged global brand which facilitates cultural and heritage tourism and generates considerable revenue for our country,” added Wuite.
The Ministry strongly encourages all parents to properly guide their children and discuss responsible behaviour during this period. Participants in Carnival should also be mindful of the impression left on our youth and communities during Carnival.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/75630-culture-ministry-wishes-all-a-safe-carnival-2018
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