Carnival time on the Dutch Antilles: 23-04-2008
The island of St Maarten in the Dutch Antilles is currently enjoying its annual carnival, which sees a mix of dancing, music and parades.
The festival begins on April 17th and lasts until May 3rd, bringing the multicultural atmosphere of the Dutch Antilles together for the best part of a month.
Calypso rhythms beat out throughout the event and there are parades aimed at all ages throughout the celebrations.
Kids and teenagers each get their own parade while the largest is reserved for the final day when thousands of revellers gather to watch and enjoy a big party.
A straw figure which represents the spirit of the carnival is burnt to represent all the sin and bad luck of the islands' inhabitants going away.
More news articles from across The Dutch Antilles...