Philipsburg:--- Several organizations, foundations and foreign denominations responded to the call of the organizers of the St. Maarten's Day activities and participated in the unity parade on Friday afternoon. Revelers from several organizations dressed in their cultural costumes and participated with pride as they waved the St. Maarten flag through the streets of St. Maarten and danced to the drum bands. It was a clear sign of patriotism among the native St. Maarteners and those that made St. Maarten their home. Despite the economic hardship at this time of the year, several persons and organizations invested heavily in costumes and flags for this St. Maarten's Day.Among those that marched through Front Street were the Capoeira Stilt Walkers, the Generations New Status, SIMARC, the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, the St. Maarten Nurses Association, the Red Cross, the St. Lucians Pitions, the Best Hair Care Groups, the Chinese Association, the Indian Merchants Association, the Pilipino Association, Marigot Brass Band, Students of the Sister Basilia Center, Les Explorateurs, the Museum, and Marigot Scouts were among several other groups that participated in the unity march. The march started at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, through Front Street and unto Pondfill road before making their way to the Festival Village. It was clear that this year's St. Maarten's Day activities was one of the best organized in recent years.
Residents and visitors alike stormed the Festival Village where the activities were being held. While St. Maarten's Day celebrations are known for political speeches and promises, this year politicians from both sides stuck to the theme "One Island, One People, One Destiny."
While the organizers had one full week of events planned for the celebration of the 2011 St. Maarten's Day. Friday was the only successful day for the week. Throughout the week, all activities including Kaisorama were hampered by the constant power outages on the Dutch side. However, the booth holders could not complain on Friday as the Festival Village was packed to its capacity.
Click here to view more photos of the Unity Parade 1.
Click here to view more photos of the Unity Parade 2.