The Carnival of Dominica « The Real Mas » began on 19 January with the national parade and opening ceremony. On the program: a colourful parade, music, masks, waders and cheerleaders. The parade was able to offer a beautiful overview of the heritage while giving a foretaste of the Dominican cultural life. The king and queen of the carnival were present, accompanied by many participants.
This year’s Carnival, with the theme of the « crackling explosion », will end on March 6. The last official celebrations will be those of « Téwé Vaval » which will take place in the territory of Kalinago and the village of Dublanc.
Carnival is a local popular event that highlights the involvement of the Dominican people in the celebration of their cultural heritage and shows the importance of tourism for the economy of Dominica. Considered as the second major event on the island, the carnival is indeed a major economic driver.
The festivities of this carnival are varied: they range from pre-carnival festivals, calypso shows, the carnival village, processions, traditional and ancient masks, masks or private parties. They take place from January to the beginning of March, the two most awaited days being the « street jump » days on March 4 & 5.
For the occasion, a disguised parade (with modern and traditional costumes), « t-shirts bands », activities specially dedicated to children, « vintage beauties » are organized; and all this with of course music, gastronomy and plenty of drinks. Local music groups will make the crowds dance to the rhythms of « bouyon », « cadence », « soca » and « calypso » music.
Many national dance troupes will also offer incredible performances.