Events calendar Dominica

Dominica became independent from Great Britain on November 3, 1978. Every year on this date, festivities take place all over the island over a four-week period. The festivities feature a wide range of cultural activities, including gastronomy, dance and traditional music. It's also an opportunity to showcase the country's diverse cultural influences, with bèlè, an African dance, and quadrille and waltz from Europe rubbing shoulders. The traditional Wob Dwiyet dress is worn.

This week of celebrations dates back to September 19, 1930. The Kalinagos used to trade barter with nearby French territories (Guadeloupe and Marie-Galante). The island authorities deemed this an illicit trade and banned it, provoking conflict with the Kalinago community. Since 1981, Kalinago Week has been held on the island, with the aim of strengthening the ties between the community. Festivities, activities and debates are open to the public and provide an opportunity to discover this people.

Slavery was abolished by the British government in 1833 on the island of Dominica, before the French colonies. The Dominican people pay tribute to their ancestors with a festival featuring song, poetry, theater, dance and performance. Tribute to these victims of slavery is also paid through a national hike (Neg Marron Emancipation Hike), which retraces the route taken by the slaves of Dominica.