The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation has issued a public notice ahead of Carnival 2026 to address ongoing rumours and confusion regarding J’Ouvert and parade participation. The foundation says existing rules will be enforced and apply to bands and DJs planning to take part.
The notice outlines the following rules:
“There is a standing rule that prohibits foreign bands from being on the road for J’Ouvert.”
“There can also be no combination of local and foreign bands, whether as full bands or by adding members from foreign bands. The same applies to DJs.”
“For the parades, the existing rule also remains in effect: all local bands and willing local DJs must be hired before any consideration is given to contracting a foreign band.”
The foundation added that if all local bands and DJs are already contracted and a foreign band is then hired, an additional fee will apply. Organisers are calling on everyone to comply with the rules as Carnival 2026 approaches.
St. Maarten Carnival 2026 is set to take place from Friday 10 April to Tuesday 5 May. For more information on carnival events, activities, and updates, visit socanews.com/carnivals.
