Reflections on Heritage: A Conversation with Carla Vlaun & Clara Reyes

All Ah We: The Historical Development of Carnival on Sint Maarten,” and renowned cultural advocate Clara Reyes.

Scheduled for Friday, May 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM, this virtual discussion invites the public to
reflect on Sint Maarten’s rich cultural heritage through the lens of Carnival—its history,
significance and continued influence on national identity.

The closing event serves as both a culmination and continuation of the themes explored
throughout Heritage Reflection—a project committed to exploring, preserving, and
promoting the cultural narratives of Sint Maarten.

Carla Vlaun, whose academic thesis focuses on the island’s evolving cultural identity, will
share insights from her research, particularly in the context of Carnival as a living
expression of heritage. Moderated by Clara Reyes, a well-known figure in the Caribbean
arts community and a staunch advocate for cultural continuity, the dialogue promises to be a deep dive into questions of identity, history, and celebration.

“This is more than a closing event—it’s a cultural checkpoint,” said Reyes. “Carla's work
helps us see how Carnival is not just a festivity but a reflection of who we are as a people, past and present.”

The Sint Maarten Library will broadcast the virtual discussion across all its social media
platforms, allowing viewers from across the region and diaspora to participate in this
meaningful cultural exchange.
Heritage Reflection has, over the past months, presented exhibitions, activities, and
discussions highlighting the layered stories of Sint Maarten’s people, traditions, and
creative expressions. The closing conversation promises to carry this legacy forward with academic depth and personal insight.