Every year in April St. Maarten celebrates the island's Carnival. The annual affair, which features festivities like Jump-Up Parades, calypso competitions, beauty pageants and the annual "Jouvert" celebration is a two-week celebration that encompasses the island's cultural traditions and allows visitors and residents alike to parade alongside costumed revelers and join in the numerous street jump-ups. The celebration begins on April 17 with thousands of dancing revelers parading through the streets for the "Opening of the Carnival Village Jump-Up" and the opening of the "Carnival Village" gates which signifies the start of Carnival. The events continue with the annual "Children's Parade" which is slated to take place on April 20. This special costumed procession showcases the children of St. Maarten and represents the rich tradition of Carnival being passed from one generation to the next preserving the island's culture.
On April 26 residents and visitors alike celebrate the "Jouvert," which comes from the French saying "jour ouvert" or morning open. In St. Maarten the Jouvert is centered on the Great Salt Pond, and is considered to be the largest of the street parties. Here revelers celebrate throughout the night by the shores of this St. Maarten landmark wearing personal costumes and creative dress. On April 29, the "Grand Carnival Parade" showcases the creativity of costume design and dance from local and international participants. Carnival's Grand Parade is a multi-cultural event that celebrates the traditions of many countries and cultures around the world. Beautifully designed floats depict rich multi-cultural themes, and often feature performers that excite and entertain the crowds. Numerous troupes line the streets each with up to 300 members dancing in fantastic creative carnival costumes, while local musical artistes perform soca and calypso music for the revelers' entertainment as well as the onlookers." The Closing Jump Up" or "Last Lap" marks the Official Closing of the Carnival festivities. Visit
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