Mas Domnik, dubbed the “Real” Mas is one of the oldest carnivals in the Caribbean, dating back to the 1700’s. The Dominica Carnival brings together African and French traditions which are part of the island’s rich cultural heritage. It is also one of the few carnivals which takes place before Ash Wednesday – the start of the Lenten Season.
This Caribbean Carnival spreads over two months and comprises calypso shows, village festivals, mas camp shows, stardom tents, pageants and street parades which highlights traditional cultural elements like Sense or BwaBwa, drumming from the Lapeau Kabwit Bands and Bouyon Music and fetes. The main Carnival or jump-up like it is called starts on Monday with J’ouvert morning and runs through Tuesday night and ending with a burial ritual on Ash Wednesday.
Mas Domnik is one of the few carnivals which still showcases so much of an island’s cultural heritage.
2025 promises to be very exciting with over 40 events taking placing, starting in January with the opening of carnival and culminating on March 5th.
- Opening of Carnival: January 18, 2025
- Miss Dominica Pageant: February 27, 2025
- Carnival Monday: March 3, 2025
- Carnival Tuesday: March 4, 2025
- Téwé Vaval: March 5, 2025
Click here to learn more about the other things to do when visiting Dominica for Mas Domnik.
Photo credit: Dominicafestivals.com
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