Anytime I can steal away to the Caribbean during the first quarter of the year, it’s a special occasion. This year my Pisces birthday celebration began with a return to the island of Sint Maarten (Dutch) or Saint Maarten (French). The island is divided, with 44% of the population on the southern end influenced by the Dutch and the northern 56% influenced by the French.

Our intimate group of four stayed at the All-Inclusive Sonesta Maho Beach Club on the Dutch side. My last trip was in 2008, after President Barack Obama won the election. I stayed on the French side of the island and was celebrated and congratulated by the locals on having elected a Black male president.

As someone who likes to wander off during group trips searching for hidden gems, I stayed true to form. I found an exhibit that every American familiar with or passionate about the Caribbean Carnival season will enjoy.

While I have yet to participate in Carnival, I have seen and heard that it is a party unlike any other, filled with strong drinks, mouth-watering spicy foods, rhythmic music, miles of dancing, and artistic and colorful costumes. Locals say it is a generational celebration of self-love and liberating expression, offering the abandonment of worries and an escape to complete freedom.

The Carnival tradition began and in many places is still celebrated two days before the Catholic Somber and Sober period of Lent. This period included abstaining from meat. The word “carnival” actually means “farewell to meat.” The oldest carnival in the Caribbean dates back to 1784 in Trinidad. It was the French planters and their slaves who brought carnival to the Caribbean. Their influence is seen in many phrases that describe the celebration, like the word for fete (party).

Carnival is celebrated at different times throughout the year by almost the entire chain of Caribbean countries: from the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas in the North to Trinidad and Guyana in the South and from Barbados in the east to the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) in the West.

The Sint Maarten carnival is held in April, but you can now catch the carnival vibe in Sint Maarten all year.

The World's First Caribbean Carnival History Experience

Nestled just 10 minutes from the airport and just across the street from Sonesta Maho Beach Club, We Culture: The Caribbean Experience is a living tribute to the island’s vibrancy and the significant and generational world of Caribbean Carnival. This new exhibit is a fascinating mix of history, culture, music, and the spirit of celebration.

Our guided tour began with a round of cocktails and birthday toasts. The tour includes a complimentary open bar, a thoughtful touch that added to the relaxed, celebratory atmosphere of the experience. The girls and I sipped on cocktails and had tequila shots.

Spread across over 8,000 square feet, We Culture is a treasure trove of history. This interactive adventure is robust in impressive art showcasing the evolution of Carnival, including the first burlesque attire of Dame Lorraine, which dates back to slavery, Baby Doll, Blue Devils, Dragon Mas, Fancy Indian, Jab Molassie, and more.

We stepped through the dazzling displays of costumes and learned of the craftsmanship, how many stones were added by hand, and the often elaborate process for those infamous feather wings, bustiers, and head coverings. It felt like stepping through time to witness Carnivals gone by. Dozens of carnival costumes, each more intricate and vibrant than the last. These were no mere displays; they were pieces of art, designed and constructed with passion and precision, each representing something unique about the islands, the people, and the celebrations that bring them together.

These weren’t just costumes but symbols of community and identity. Each piece told a story, rich with history and meaning. A display of Pan (steelpan) allows visitors to test out the only acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century, which many call the musical instrument of Carnival.

We had the honor of being hosted by the Founder of We Culture, Gerald Hart, who has been making customs since he was 7. His family is the originator of these eye-catching artistic ensembles.

The inspiration behind We Culture can be traced back to Gerald’s parents, Lil and Edmond Hart, pioneering figures in Carnival costume design. Born in 1930, Lil Hart broke barriers as one of the first women to design for commercial mass in Trinidad and Tobago. Historically, carnival Mas was played with 90% men and 10% women participation. The customs were inspired by historical figures like Roman and Viking soldiers until Lily introduced her innovative approach to costume design. She designed costumes that were of Fantasy origins, like butterflies and moths and creatures of the sea, characterized by bold colors, non-traditional materials, and a focus on body positivity, revolutionized the Carnival scene.

Edmond Hart, a stalwart in the Carnival community, co-founded the Hart Carnival band with Lil in 1961. His expertise in organization and production, coupled with Lil’s creative designs, led the band to win numerous accolades, including the prestigious Band of the Year titles with “Playing Cards” (1966), “Inferno” (1970), “Mas Sweet Mas” (1983), “Islands in the Sun” (1986), and “Out of this World” (1988). In 1973, Edmond was awarded the Hummingbird Medal Gold for his contributions to Carnival development.

Lil always dreamed of establishing an educational museum where people could learn about the origins and evolution of Carnival. Her vision was to create a space that celebrated the rich history and cultural significance of this vibrant tradition. This dream inspired the creation of We

Culture, fulfilling Lil’s legacy by providing a dedicated venue for the education and celebration of Carnival.

Here’s a quote by Gerald Hart

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have had such devoted and enthusiastic parents; they served as my role models and educators, both in my journey and in imparting their skills in creating Mas (Carnival costumes). I regard myself as exceptionally lucky to inherit the legacy from my father and mother, which has enabled me to expand upon their foundational work. With immense pride, I can confidently say that I have never admired two individuals more than them, as they have gifted not only me but the entire world with their passionate spirit of Caribbean Carnival, a vibrant essence that resonates deeply with all who are privileged to participate in this once in a lifetime experience.”

With over 50 years of Carnival experience preserved, We Culture: The Caribbean Experience reminded me of the power of family legacies, cultural preservation, and the joy of learning through exploration. It’s a place where history, music, and celebration intertwine to create something visually unforgettable.

For $40, you can enter this exclusive exhibit and enjoy the culture, cocktails, and costumes too. Visit WeCultureSXM.com.

Dawn Michelle Hardy is the founder of Passport to Wellness, a self-care brand curating spa gift boxes with products and rituals from around the world. She’s also a longtime book publicist amplifying diverse voices in publishing.