Grand Parade
The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation puts high emphasis on its Grand Parade or Senior Carnival Parade, as being one of the most spectacular events of the entire carnival season as per street parades / jump-ups as this showcases the creativity in costume designs and dance from local participants as well as international participants. Carnival's Grand Parade is a unique multi-cultural event that celebrates the traditions of many countries and cultures around the world. The floats are spectacular, the music and costumes lavish and varied. Beautifully designed floats depict rich multi-cultural themes, and often feature performers that excite and entertain the crowds. Over 12 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 revellers' entertainment as well as the onlookers. The Grand Parade usually travels along the Bush Road towards Front Street and then to the Walter Nisbeth Road, through the streets of our capital, Philipsburg and culminates at the Carnival Village. Thousands of spectators line the streets and often get little gifts from sponsors of the Grand Parade who display their products as well. The event is covered by local and international mediahouses, where they explain the interpretation of these costumed revellers and participants in the English, Spanish as well as French languages. The Grand Carnival Parade can also be seen on local television as well. |