The Sint Maarten community in the Netherlands came together on Saturday, November 8, for a vibrant celebration of St. Martin’s Day 2025 at De Broodfabriek in Rijswijk.
The event, themed “Sankofa: Learning from the Past to Build for the Future”, drew hundreds of Sint Maarteners, students, professionals, and friends of the island for a day filled with cultural performances, local vendors, music, and island spirit.
Hosted by the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary and Small Island Unity (SIU), the event featured a diverse program including live steelpan performances, a traditional brass band, cultural dances, and Caribbean artists such as Ebony Empress, Big Mac, and DJ Bean. Guests enjoyed island cuisine, art displays, and a lively atmosphere that captured the essence of Sint Maarten.
In her speech, Her Excellency Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, Minister Plenipotentiary, reflected on the significance of the day and the importance 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.”
During her speech, Minister Arrindell highlighted the Cabinet’s recent accomplishments, including the launch of the Sint Maarten Diaspora Database, aimed at connecting students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs across the Netherlands and beyond.
The minister also emphasized continued investment in youth programs such as the Cari-Aire Internship Program and academic collaborations with Dutch universities.
“Through these initiatives,” Minister Arrindell added, “we are strengthening the bridge between home and abroad, ensuring that Sint Maarteners everywhere remain part of our nation’s story.”
As the rhythms of bouyon and Soca filled the hall, the celebration served as both a joyful reunion and a reminder of the enduring strength of small island communities around the world.
According to visitor Candy Hazel it was a success: “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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PHOTO Caption:
Her Excellency Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita Arrindell speaking to the Sint Maarten diaspora in attendance at St. Martin’s Day 2025.
Group PHOTO: A snapshot of the youngest members of the Sint Maarten diaspora in the Netherlands along with Miss Zuid Holland, Miss Dutch Caribbean, Miss Universe Netherlands, and the Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita Arrindell at the St. Martin’s Day 2025 celebration in Rijswijk.
https://www.sintmaartengov.org/news/Pages/Hundreds-Celebrate-Unity-&-Culture-at-St--Martin’s-Day-2025.aspx
