Festival of Gastronomy Saint-Martin France 2025

Background & History

The Saint-Martin Festival of Gastronomy, launched in 2021, is an annual celebration of the island’s unique French-Caribbean culinary heritage. The 5th edition in 2025, running from November 11 to 22, highlights passion fruit as the featured ingredient. Organized by the Saint-Martin Tourist Office, it brings together local chefs, international guests, and community members to promote gastronomic excellence, cultural fusion, and economic growth. The festival has grown from a local event to a major attraction, drawing visitors with its blend of traditional flavors and innovative cuisine.

Cultural Significance

The festival showcases Saint-Martin’s dual French and Dutch influences, emphasizing Afro-Caribbean, European, and indigenous elements. Passion fruit, locally grown and versatile, symbolizes the island’s tropical bounty and health benefits, rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It fosters community pride, supports local producers, and encourages sustainable tourism, aligning with Saint-Martin’s reputation as the “Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean.”

Event Highlights

• Passion fruit-themed menus and cocktails at participating restaurants.
• Four-handed dinners with local and guest chefs.
• Competitions for private chefs, food trucks, barbecues, restaurants, and desserts.
• Culinary workshops for adults, children, and families.
• Gastronomy Village with food stalls, music, and entertainment.
• Charity evening supporting vocational education.
• School interventions and student competitions to nurture young talent.

Key Activities and Events

• Taste of Sunrise (November 9, Iconic Saint-Martin location): Breakfast with fresh produce and Caribbean rhythms.
• Grand Launch (November 10, Boulevard de Grand Case): Showcase of gourmet addresses with musical entertainment.
• Passion Fruit Special Menus (November 11-22, Participating restaurants island-wide): Unique dishes and cocktails featuring passion fruit.
• Wine and Cheese Pairing (November 12, Warm venue): Guided tasting of selected wines and cheeses.
• Four-Handed Dinners (November 12-13, Island restaurants): Collaborative meals by local and guest chefs.
• Private Chef Competition (November 12-13, Marina Fort-Louis): Chefs present full menus; public tasting available.
• Gastronomy Village (November 14-15, Marigot waterfront): Food stalls, music, and festivities.
• Food Truck Competition (November 15, Marigot waterfront): Live competition with tastings.
• Cooking Workshops (November 15-17, Outdoor venues): Hands-on sessions for couples, friends, or families; includes Sip ‘n Cook for cocktails and cuisine.
• Barbecue Competition (November 16, Festive venue): Pitmasters compete for the Best Barbecue title with public tastings and Caribbean music.
• Interventions in Schools (November 13, Lycée Daniella Jeffry, Collège Mont des Accords, École Emile Choisy): Chefs lead demonstrations for students.
• Restaurateurs’ Competition (November 18-19, Marina Fort-Louis): Live semi-finals by category; finals on November 21.
• Dessert Competition (November 19, Festival venue): Pastry chefs vie for the best dessert title.
• Three-Course Menu with Cocktails (November 20, Refined venue): Paired dining experience.
• Charity Evening (November 20, Daniella Jeffry Vocational High School): Multi-chef dinner benefiting educational projects.
• Mixology Competition and Restaurant Finals (November 21, Festival venue): Bartenders compete; restaurant winners announced.
• Closing Event (November 22, Festival venue): Chefs’ specialties from Africa, USA, Europe, Caribbean, and Saint-Martin with local music.

2025 Theme

The 2025 theme centers on the “Fruit de la Passion” (passion fruit), the star ingredient. Locally grown and versatile, it’s featured in menus, cocktails, and competitions, highlighting its health benefits (vitamins, antioxidants, fibers) and cultural integration into Saint-Martin’s landscape and cuisine.

Organizing Committee

The festival is organized by the Saint-Martin Tourist Office, with support from local partners like Marina Fort-Louis and Lycée Professionnel Daniella Jeffry. Guest chefs include Laurent Huguet (France), Kevin Bludso (USA), Jason Santos (USA), and Arthur Sutley (USA). The team, led by the Tourist Office, handles registrations, programming, and promotion to ensure a seamless event.

Date

• Date: November 11-22, 2025
• Time: Varies by event; main activities from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Duration

• Duration: 12 days

Venue

• City: Saint-Martin, French West Indies, France
• Main Venues and Addresses:
  • Boulevard de Grand Case: Grand Case, 97150 Saint-Martin
  • Marigot Waterfront: Marigot, 97150 Saint-Martin
  • Marina Fort-Louis: Marigot Bay, 97150 Saint-Martin
  • Lycée Professionnel Daniella Jeffry: Concordia, 97150 Saint-Martin
  • Collège Mont des Accords: Concordia, 97150 Saint-Martin
  • École Emile Choisy: Concordia, 97150 Saint-Martin
• Note: Events span the island, with key activities in Grand Case and Marigot. Check festival-st-martin.com for exact locations.

Contact Information

• Official Website: festival-st-martin.com
• Email: festivalgastronomiesaintmartin@gmail.com; contact@st-martin.org (Tourist Office)
• Phone: +590 590 87-5721
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: stmartinfoodfestival
  • TikTok: @stmartinfoodfestival
• Note: Contact for inquiries, registrations, or sponsorships.

Ticket Information

• General Admission: Free for most events, including launches, villages, and competitions (public tasting available).
• Specific Event Tickets (USD, 1 EUR = 1.09 USD; prices TBD for 2025, based on previous editions ~$10-$50):
  • Taste of Sunrise: Prices TBD; ticket office.
  • Wine and Cheese Pairing: Prices TBD; ticket office.
  • Four-Handed Dinners: Prices TBD; ticket office.
  • Gastronomy Village: Free entry, but food purchases ~$5-$15.
  • Cooking Workshops: Prices TBD; ticket office.
  • Charity Evening: Prices TBD; ticket office.
  • Mixology Competition: Free to attend.
  • Closing Event: Prices TBD; ticket office.
• Purchase: Online via festival-st-martin.com or on-site. Cash and cards accepted; some events require reservations.
• Note: Many events are free or low-cost; check the website for updates.

Cultural Experience

The festival immerses visitors in Saint-Martin’s French-Caribbean gastronomy, blending European techniques with tropical flavors. Passion fruit stars in dishes, cocktails, and desserts, highlighting local produce. Attendees can participate in workshops, taste fusion cuisine, and enjoy Caribbean music. Casual or festive attire is suitable, with a focus on conviviality and shared meals.

Food & Drinks

• Featured: Passion fruit-infused dishes, barbecues, seafood, and cocktails (~$5-$20).
• Vendors: Restaurants, food trucks, and stalls offer Creole curries, grilled meats, and sweets (~$3-$15).
• Non-alcoholic options like juices and mocktails (~$2-$5).
• Cash preferred for stalls; cards accepted at larger venues.

Family & Accessibility

The festival is family-friendly, with workshops for children and free entry for most events. Venues like Marigot waterfront are wheelchair-accessible, but some beaches or rural spots may have limitations. Accessible toilets are available at Marina Fort-Louis. Well-behaved dogs allowed at outdoor events; guide dogs permitted throughout. Contact festivalgastronomiesaintmartin@gmail.com for needs.

Getting There

• By Air: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, 97150) – 10-minute drive to the French side.
• By Car: Taxis or rentals from SXM (~$20-$30 to Marigot).
• Public Transport: Local buses or taxis; check saintmartinbus.com for routes.
• By Foot: Events in Marigot and Grand Case are walkable (5-10 minutes between sites).
• Note: Saint-Martin is divided; the French side uses EUR, but USD is accepted.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers assist with setup, tastings, and promotions. Benefits include free access and meals. Apply via festival-st-martin.com or festivalgastronomiesaintmartin@gmail.com.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsors can showcase brands at events. Contact +590 590 87-5721 or festivalgastronomiesaintmartin@gmail.com for details.

Local Attractions

• Grand Case Beach: Scenic spot (97150 Saint-Martin).
• Marigot Market: Fresh produce (Marigot, 97150).
• Loterie Farm: Nature reserve (Pic Paradis Road, 97150).
• Fort Louis: Historic site (Marigot Bay, 97150).
• Pinel Island: Beach day trip (Cul-de-Sac, 97150).

Accommodation Tips

Book early at resorts like Secrets Saint Martin (Anse Marcel, 97150) or budget hotels in Marigot. Airbnb offers villas near Grand Case. Expect higher rates during the festival; book via saint-martin.org.

Safety and Etiquette

• Carry cash for vendors; ATMs available, but may charge fees.
• Tip vendors $1-$2 per purchase.
• Respect cultural fusion; try local specialties.
• Bags may be checked at competitions; avoid large items.
• Photography encouraged; check festival-st-martin.com for policies.

Community and Economic Impact

The festival boosts Saint-Martin’s economy by attracting tourists to restaurants and hotels, supporting local producers and chefs. It fosters community pride, educates youth through school programs, and promotes sustainable gastronomy, contributing to the island’s recovery and cultural identity.