August Monday has arrived yet
again! The island of Sint Maarten is getting prepared for the mass exodus that
will occur on Monday, when a flotilla of boats will be spotted making their way
across the Anguilla channel for the party of the summer. There’ll be big boats,
little boats, sail boats, power boats, and ferries: a true armada heading over
to Anguilla to attack the shores of Sandy Ground with coolers, music and
revelers.
What is August Monday? In a
nutshell it’s the celebration of the freeing of slaves. The first August Monday
dates all the way back to 1834! It was also known as ‘Emancipation Day’. And
these days, Anguilla’s August Monday is known worldwide for being one of the
biggest beach parties that happens every year.
How can you get there? It’s
pretty simple. The options range from private boats to ferries – or if you’re
lucky enough you know someone with a boat! Travel time can be anywhere from
twenty minutes to four hours, depending on the boat you’re on. The ferry from
Marigot will get you there in less than 2O minutes for a pretty reasonable
price. There are plenty of charter companies but if you haven’t booked by now,
you may miss out!
What is there to do, you ask?
Party, my dear friends, party in the most ideal setting one can imagine.
Crystal clear blue waters, white sandy beach – a paradise that many dream about
– that we got! For some it will be a first time – August Monday virgins
so-to-speak. For others it will be as familiar as an old friend. Live music and
boat racing are the highlights, as well as sponsored parties and private
parties. Everything melts into one giant party! The pre-party starts on Friday
as many people head over to spend the entire weekend on Anguilla, ending with
the big blow out Monday night. A couple highlights to catch: Heineken is having
it’s warm up boat race on Sunday at 2pm in Sandy Ground followed by a great
Latin night of music at Landsome Bowl that will kick off around 8:3Opm. If
you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can make your way to The Valley at
4am and participate in the J’ouvert Morning Parade. Dance your backside off as
the sun rises over the island, kicking off another great day of partying.
Monday afternoon will have the August Monday Boat Race at Sandy Ground starting
at 3pm, followed by the big blow out party! If August Monday isn’t enough for
you, there are more great times to be had! For the Anguilla locals, the party will
start on August 2nd and run through August 12th as part
of the Anguilla Summer Festival. The
festival includes parades for grown-up and kids, a beauty pageant, concerts and
more!
I asked around with my friends to
see what their plans were, as we reminisced about previous August Monday
parties with lots of laughter. Memories ranging from lost swim trunks to
sleeping on the beach due to missing the boat back! Some friends were as
excited as a kid in a candy store about heading to Anguilla, others where
planning a quiet day on Sint Maarten, away from the crowds. Some were even
contemplating playing hooky from work…their names will be withheld to protect
the not so innocent!
A few words of precaution for our
August Monday Virgins: Sun block. Can’t have enough of it! Nothing like a bad
sunburn to spoil the party. To virgins and non-virgins alike: Keep hydrated.
Yes, yes…the plan is to “party ‘til you puke” but a couple of bottles of water
here and there let you party for longer. Dehydration is no fun! And finally: Be
responsible! Have fun, be safe and come back in relatively one piece! Plans
have been made, boats will be prepared and the hoards of people will descend on
Anguilla will party, party, party!
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