Island-Sity

Activities during this period include the Calypso Monarch competition, Carnival Queen Show pageant, the Junior Calypso Monarch competition, Carnival Street Jump Up and a National Carnival Costume Street Parade; the Sensay costume will be widely worn during this final event. West African in origin, the Sensay is made of frayed rope, leaves and other materials, accompanied by a mask and often horns.

Hike Fest in May, officially known as Tourism month in Dominica, will see the third annual Hike Fest over a period of one week. The island is a haven for hikers, offering trails ranging from the sedate to the challenging and this event allows visitors to explore some of Dominica’s landscapes. A series of scheduled hikes will be on offer so that walkers can enjoy the trails accompanied by locals and guides, knowledgeable about the flora, fauna, history and points of interest along each route.

From the July 9th to 18th Dominica holds Dive Fest, when scuba diving, snorkelling and other water-based activities mark the Caribbean’s longest running dive festival. Dive Fest gives absolute beginners the chance to try scuba diving or snorkelling for the first time – often completely free of charge.

For experienced divers, events include an underwater treasure hunt and underwater photography competitions, with equipment provided by event sponsors. Whale watching excursions, beach barbecues and the popular Carib canoe race are amongst the other activities that take place during the festival.

Independence celebrations from October 24th to November 3rd mark the island's independence from Britain, which was achieved in 1978. Next year October 24th is Heritage Day and a local village will be recognised and awarded for its uniqueness. Each year, a different village is chosen to highlight its individual, community and institutional achievements.

Creole in the Park runs from October 25th – 28th at the Botanical Gardens in Roseau. The day-time festival features performances from local, regional and international artists, blending traditional Creole steel pan drum music with local cuisine. October 29th is Creole Day, where most Dominicans will wear some variation of the national dress, the Wob Dwiyet. Local schoolchildren participate in a parade through the capital, Roseau, to showcase the different styles of dress.

Independence Day is celebrated on November 3rd itself, with a series of cultural events, parties, folklore, music and dancing. During this time, citizens and friends of Dominica unite to reflect on the progress and development that has taken place on the island over the years and reaffirm their commitment to contributing to a positive future for ‘The Nature Island’

The World Creole Music Festival takes place from October 29th to 31st during the Independence Celebrations, and sees beats and rhythms fill the Windsor Park Stadium until dawn, with live music acts from the Caribbean and beyond drawing in the crowds. Over the years, the festival has attracted some of the most renowned groups and solo artists from the Creole-speaking world, with recent headliners including Maxi Priest, Sean Paul, Wyclef Jean, Morgan Heritage and Shaggy.