PHILIPSBURG–St. Maarten Carnival, already known for bringing many cultures together, will put some of these cultures on stage for Carnival 2017. St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) will stage a Culture Night in Carnival Village on Friday, April 21, featuring groups representing the various national communities of St. Maarten.
Confirmed so far for participation are groups representing St. Kitts, the Dominican Republic, the Chinese, Indian and Guyanese communities, Dominica and St. Maarten/St. Martin. The concept of the night will see each group making a 15- to 20-minute entertainment presentation on stage indicative of its respective culture.
The event is not a competition, rather a showcase of what SCDF said would literally be St. Maarten on display. “Carnival is still the largest event in St. Maarten that brings all cultures together in celebration over an extensive period of time. We do so through music and food primarily, and participation in our various shows,” SCDF President Alston Lourens explained.
“But for too long there’s been a feeling from the various communities or people of a different heritage that there isn’t a place in Carnival for them. We’re saying that if you love St. Maarten, have made here your home and contribute to the positive growth of the country, then you definitely have a place in the country’s biggest and oldest event.
“Culture Night is not just an entertainment night or parade of cultures, but it’s a learning experience for many of us. We could all learn something about each other, from each other. The presentations on April 21 will also be educational and reinforce the inclusiveness of Soualiga. We are very excited about this night of culture.”
Lourens said there is still time for other groups to sign up and take part in Culture Night. Any group or representatives of groups interested should contact SCDF by sending an e-mail to
[email protected]/* */ .
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/62857-scdf-to-put-various-cultures-on-display-in-carnival-village
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