Through a unique collaboration with the Heritage Monument Walk, Klimaxx and Heritage Monument combined their initiatives to create a deeper educational experience for students.
PHILIPSBURG--Klimaxx Karnival has taken the magic of Carnival beyond the stage and into local classrooms through its Cultural School Outreach Program, proudly supported by Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied (CCG).
Following the success of its award-winning Carnival Cultural Wear Costume, which paid tribute to celebrated artist and cultural icon Ruby Bute, the Klimaxx team embarked on an educational journey across local schools to share the story behind the design and the legacy of the woman who inspired it.
The outreach sessions engaged pupils of Sister Borgia Elementary, Leonard Connor School, Ruby Labega Primary, Rhythm and Groove Dance School, and École Hervé Williams on the French side, uniting the two sides of the island through a shared cultural experience.
Each presentation showcased the award-winning costume, immersive storytelling, and discussions about Ruby Bute’s legacy as a pioneering artist, writer, and cultural guardian of St. Maarten. Pupils learned how her work preserves identity, empowers communities, and celebrates the island’s rich heritage.
Through a unique collaboration with the Heritage Monument Walk, Klimaxx and Heritage Monument combined their initiatives to create a deeper educational experience. Together, they transformed history into a vibrant learning journey, where art, culture, and heritage came alive for the next generation.
“Our goal was to show students that Carnival is not only about beauty and performance – it’s also a living archive of who we are as a people,” said a Klimaxx Karnival representative. “Ruby Bute’s work reminds us that our art, our stories, and our style are powerful tools for preserving identity.”
The initiative emphasizes the importance of cultural inheritance, ensuring that the stories, artistry and achievements of icons like Ruby Bute are passed down with understanding and pride. By connecting the visual creativity of Carnival with education, Klimaxx Karnival demonstrates how culture and art can be powerful teaching tools, shaping how young people see themselves and their island.
The project was made possible through the continued support of Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied (CCG), whose commitment to cultural preservation and youth education allows programs like this to thrive. The partnership reflects a shared mission: empowering communities through art, storytelling, and authentic Caribbean heritage.
Building on this success, Klimaxx Karnival plans to expand the outreach program in 2026 to include secondary schools and introduce interactive workshops that allow students to create their own cultural expressions through costume, poetry, and visual art.
“Together, we can do more,” the Klimaxx team said. “We encourage teachers, parents, artists, and organizations to continue creating spaces that educate and inspire the next generation. Culture grows when we pass it on.”
Through this meaningful collaboration, Klimaxx Karnival continues to celebrate St. Maarten’s roots, rhythm, and resilience, ensuring that the legacy of Ruby Bute and other cultural pioneers remains alive in the hearts and minds of the island’s youth.
