Cultural Soul of St. Maarten Takes Center Stage at Soul Beach @ Seaview
As the Soul Beach Music Festival 2025 sweeps across the island with its signature energy and entertainment, one event promises to connect festivalgoers and locals alike to the deeper rhythms of St. Maarten’s cultural heritage. On Sunday, May 25th at 4:00 PM, the Seaview Beach Hotel, in collaboration with the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA), will host a free cultural exhibition on the Philipsburg Boardwalk, offering an unforgettable 30-minute performance of traditional music and dance.
This showcase is designed as a moment of pride and connection for the people of St. Maarten, while giving international visitors an authentic experience of the island’s creative spirit. Following the daytime festival events, guests are invited to gather by the seaside to witness a rich display of movement, rhythm, and ancestral storytelling. The cultural presentation, curated by Funtopia, will feature barefoot performers, signifying purity and a return to heritage. The program begins with an introduction and a five-minute freestyle drumming session by the Souleyman Soualiga Drummers, followed by a traditional Ponum dance performance. Dancers Sisi, Rosanna, and Krista, supported by the powerful rhythms of drummers Didi, Amanda, Zora, Shabea, and Evania, will engage with the audience through a freestyle interactive circle. The performance continues with an additional freestyle drum sequence, culminating in a joyous finale to the track “Rumba Feve” by King Timo, as the crowd is invited to join in a celebratory congo line.
This cultural moment is more than a performance — it is an invitation to celebrate the roots of the island, to connect across communities, and to honor the traditions that continue to shape the identity of St. Maarten today. St Maarten Soul Beach Lunch boxes will also be available for $9 featuring local favorites: Johnny Cake, BBQ chicken, Salt Fish, Plantain and Rice & Peas.
Earlier that same day, the festivities begin at 11:00 AM with the Soul Beach @ Seaview beach and poolside celebration at the Seaview Beach & Pool Bar. Open to the public and free of charge, this event features live music from Grand Prime & The Turksdem Band, sets by Mixmaster Pauly and DJ Prince, and a lively beach atmosphere with frozen cocktails and appetizer specials. Guests looking for an upgraded experience can reserve VIP poolside cabanas, which include deluxe seating, a private bathroom and shower, Smart TV access, and a complimentary bottle of Prosecco for groups of up to six. Reservations can be made by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to +1 (721) 586-0150.
Together, the cultural presentation and the beach celebration create a full-day activation that brings the festival spirit into the heart of Philipsburg. The Soul of St Maarten event is proudly presented by the Seaview Beach Hotel in collaboration with the Soul Beach Music Festival and the SHTA. This unique combination of cultural expression and celebration captures the essence of what makes St. Maarten special — a deep respect for heritage, a vibrant community, and a rhythm that moves us all.
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