The 5th Color Festival this Sunday in Happy Bay

"We had an issue with our color order, which arrived late. We had planned to give up, but faced with high demand, we decided to still throw the party, even though the date is not exactly right," explained Peter Sadarangani, President of the Indian Association of Saint-Martin, which is organizing the event.

"Each year, Holi is celebrated everywhere in India, from the North to the South, as well as by Indian communities abroad. This Hindu religious festival, which marks the end of winter and beginning of spring, takes place during the full moon of the month of Phâlguna (February-March). It is an occasion for young and old to spray each other with powders and water of all colors.

The colors used each have a particular meaning: green represents harmony, orange optimism, blue vitality, and red represents joy and love. After spraying one’s victim with colored pigments, it is customary to exclaim, "Happy Holi!." The whole day is a party: everyone has fun, sings and dances to Bollywood music. It is also an occasion to eat delicious meals specially prepared for Holi. "There will also be many games for children (inflatable castle, trampoline, etc.)," ensure the organizers, who also specified that the colors used come from India and are natural (plant-based). 

That said, they do stain. "Be sure that your clothing that day will become a souvenir," they warn, and advise wearing old clothes. Tickets cost €20 and include the meal and colors. They are available from Chronos (across from Lipstick) and Caribbean Touch (across from Pimkie) in Marigot. All profits go to a charitable organization. For more information, contact Peter at

0690 649914.