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Lifestyle and Culture in Sint Maarten

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St Martin was squabbled over by colonial rulers for decades before being peacefully divided between the French and Dutch, resulting in the unique border relationship these two nations maintain to the present day. Travelers will see many cultural influences on both sides of the island, with everything from French haute cuisine to the Dutch language on show in this distinct Caribbean nation.

The first European to sight St Maarten was Christopher Columbus on his expedition of 1493. He named it St Martin, after St Martin of Tours, since the first time saw the island was November 11, which is a celebration of the saint. Columbus immediately claimed the island for the Spanish, although he never stooped on it.

Once St Maarten had been mapped, the Dutch and French took massive interest in it. The Dutch saw it as a good point along the way to link their colonies in America, known then as New Amsterdam, and their settlements in Brazil at the time. The French had colonies in Trinidad and Bermuda, and intended to colonize the islands in between.

St Maarten remained massively uninhabited until the Dutch formally founded a settlement in 1631, erecting Fort Amsterdam on the headland between Little and Great Bay in the south of the island, near modern day Philipsburg. The Dutch East India Company then began salt mining plans on the island, and as a result of British and then further French interest, the Spanish took heed and decided to exert authority over their claim from 1493.

About Culture and Lifestyle

The culture of St Maarten is a blend of Dutch, French, British, and African heritage. Even though St Maarten and French St Martin are different countries, they share a similar history and heritage. Today, all schools on both sides are teach to be tri-lingual in Dutch, English, and French. The native ‘Creole’ population can trace their roots to Africa since their ancestors were brought there as slaves to work on the plantations.

You can gain a better insight into the intriguing cultural blend on this tiny island by visiting the St Maarten Museum in Philipsburg. It has exhibits covering the wealthy heritage of St Maarten and the island of St Martin as a whole.

 

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