MARIGOT--The Collectivité announced its Christmas programme of activities at a press conference Wednesday hosted by St. Martin Tourism Office Vice-President Alex Pierre and Human Development Department Director Thierry Gombs
The “Christmas Serenade Festival” begins this Sunday, November 26, in the garden of Hotel de la Collectivité followed by activities in each of the districts through December 17. The launching of the festival this Sunday starts at midday and continues until 8:00pm. It includes traditional live musical entertainment, traditional food, decorations, and the switching on of Christmas lights in the garden and on the façade of Hotel de la Collectivité.
Activities then move to the districts, starting with Concordia on December 2 (Les Surettes), French Quarter on December 3 (next to the Cultural Centre), Colombier on December 9 (village square), St. James on December 10 (in Bellevue), Sandy Ground on December 16 (in front of the Cultural Centre), and Grand Case on December 17 (at the Cultural Centre).
Each of the venues will be organising traditional Christmas food stands, homemade drinks and punches, live music such as steel and string bands, gospel groups, dancers, Christmas poem recitals, fashion shows, etc. Christmas gifts will also be distributed to children. In addition, each district will be holding its own Tarts, Puddings and Punches competition.
The Grand Soirée Finale will be held on December 20 from 4:00 to 11:00pm and features a live concert with the Guadeloupe group “Cactus Cho.” The respective winners of the Tarts, Puddings and Punches competitions from each district will face the final jury to vie for the accolade of king or queen of the overall competition.
A new sponsor of the event this year is Air Caraïbes. Station Manager at Grand Case Airport Daniel Richardson said Father Christmas will be arriving at Grand Case on an Air Caraïbes ATR flight on December 20 before jumping into his sleigh to go to Marigot where he will distribute presents to children on the waterfront that afternoon.
“Air Caraïbes is very happy to be participating in this event,” said Richardson. “Thank you to the Collectivité and St. Martin Tourism Office for inviting us.”
Added Pierre: “With all the damage we faced after the hurricanes it would be understandable to think that we would lose the feeling for organising Christmas activities, but no, the Christmas spirit is still present and we want to make sure everyone has a good time. We look forward to seeing you this coming Sunday and in the districts.”
The population is invited to enjoy all the events.
