Scdf raises Carnival Village entry age to 18, tightens measures to protect minors

The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) has announced an increase in the minimum age for general entry into Carnival Village from 15 to 18 years. This new policy will take effect for the Carnival 2027 season. The decision aims to strengthen controls regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol by minors within Carnival Village and to align entry requirements with the legal drinking age. The SCDF noted that Carnival Village hosts 79 booths licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. SCDF President Marie Gittens also emphasized that many Carnival events are primarily adult environments and not suitable for children, underscoring the foundation's efforts to protect minors.