St. Maarten Culture & Religion

The commercial nature of St. Maarten's tourism industry doesn't hinder from its rich heritage. With Dutch and French influences, the architecture, art, music and annual festivals remains at the top of their attraction list. The melting pot of cultures on the island creates an unique Caribbean atmosphere. From the early Arawak Indians who are the first known ancestors of the island to the French and Dutch', who signed the Treaty of Paris in 1815 to peacefully reside on the island together among many others, this island is a collaboration of indigenous, European, Caribbean and African decent. While Dutch and French are spoken on its coinciding sides, English is widely spoken and taught in the school systems. In addition, Spanish and Papiamento, the dialect of the Netherlands Antilles, are spoken on the island. Hence the island's multifacisatedl background, the island also has a religious background.

Religious Services on the Island

Dutch side:

Anglican Church
Back Street, Philipsburg
Phone: (599) 542-2437
Sunday worship at 8 a.m.

Methodist Church
Back Street, Philipsburg
Phone: (599) 542-2284
Sunday worship at 8:45 a.m.

New Testament Baptist Church
Philipsburg
Phone: (599) 542-5727
Sunday worship at 11 a.m.

St. Martin of Tours
30 Front Street
Monday and Tuesday at 6 a.m.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m.
Sunday at 8 a.m.
(599) 542-5892

French side:

• Roman Catholic services in Marigot, Grand Case and French Quarter