last edited Dec 11, 2019
Culture and Customs of Saint Martin
Location Map of Saint Martin
Saint Martin
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Arts, Crafts, and Architecture
Arts
Crafts
Architecture
Museums
Customs and Traditions
Local Traditions
Etiquette
Dress and Behavior
Sensitive or Taboo Topics
Languages
Although the island isn’t very large, many languages are spoken there. On the Saint Martin side, French is the official language, but English is widely spoken. On the Sint Maarten side, Dutch (primarily used for administrative purposes) and English (spoken by nearly 90% of the population) are the official languages, while French is spoken by no more than 5% of the population in that part of the island. Additionally, around 5% of the island’s population speaks Spanish, and 3–4% use Haitian Creole or Papiamento. In short, the island is quite multilingual, and English generally serves as the common language for most residents.
Glossary
A few local words and expressions useful for travelers:
Festivals and Events
Major Events and Public Holidays
January 1: New Year’s Day.
February: Carnival.
March–April: Good Friday.
March–April: Easter Monday.
May: Labor Day.
May 8: Victory Day.
May 27: Abolition of Slavery.
May–June: Ascension Day.
May–June: Whit Monday.
July 14: Bastille Day.
July 21: Schoelcher Day.
August 15: Assumption.
November 1: All Saints’ Day.
November 11: Armistice Day.
December 25: Christmas.