Dominica's 2010 Events

Stunning Victoria Falls, Dominica
courtesy of Discover Dominica Authority

**Authentic, Festive and Cultural Celebrations Heat up the Nature Island Throughout the Year**

While there are plenty of incredible activities and adventures to discover in Dominica (pronounced “dom-in-eek-a”) “the Nature Island” is giving travelers even more reasons to visit. Throughout the entire year, there will be major events that will showcase not only the island’s pristine nature, but also reflect the unique culture of the people of Dominica.

Here’s a look at some of the events that visitors are welcome to experience for themselves:

Carnival – Known as one of the Caribbean’s most original Carnivals, Dominica’s Carnival will take place February 15 and 16, 2010. Often called ‘The Real Mas,’ Carnival on Dominica is a pre-Lenten festival and is unquestionably one of the most festive times on “the Nature Island.” During Carnival, the people of Dominica showcase their folklore and traditions through song, dance, drama, poetry and music in a variety of competitions, performances and street activities. Activities during this period include the National Queen Show, the Junior Calypso Monarch, Carnival Street Jump Up, National Carnival Costume Street Parade and a traditional masquerade competition. For more information visit www.dominica.dm/site/carnival.cfm.

Hike Fest – Tourists will have the chance to explore the lush rainforests and natural beauty of the island through their scenic hiking trails when Dominica hosts its third Annual Hike Fest in May 2010. Whether visitors are experienced or novice hikers, Dominica has a trail waiting for both. The island’s unspoiled nature is unveiled while hiking to one of the island’s many waterfalls, or trekking through Morne Trois Pitons National Park, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean. For more information visit www.dominica.dm/site/hikefest.dm.

Dive Fest – The Dominica Watersports Association together with its sponsors will present the 17th Annual Dive Fest, a series of activities focused on scuba diving and other water sports, from July 9-18, 2010. Dive Fest activities will take place along the entire East Coast, from Scotts Head to Portsmouth, as well as at selected locations around the island. Although Dive Fest has an environmentally-oriented focus, it has widespread appeal due to the variety of planned activities, such as barbecues, wine tasting, whale watching, sunset cruises and more. For more information visit www.discoverdominica.com/site/divefest.cfm.

Heritage Day – October 24, marks Heritage Day, a day where villages are recognized and awarded for their uniqueness. Each year a different village is recognized. Heritage Day is an opportunity to highlight individual, community and institutional achievements.

Creole In The Park – On October 25-28, 2010, Dominica will host their eighth Annual LIME Creole in the Park, which was established for a daytime event during Dominica’s Independence Celebrations. The four-day event is held at the historic Botanical Gardens and features performances from local, regional and international artists. The event blends traditional Creole music with steel pan drums, with the delectable aromas of local cuisine.

World Creole Music Festival – Highly anticipated by fans of this style of music throughout the world, the 14th Annual World Creole Music Festival will be held October 29 – 31, 2010. A well-established Caribbean and International platform for artists of the genre, the festival is widely seen as one of the only truly indigenous music events in the Caribbean. Over the years, the festival has attracted some of the most renowned musical groups and soloists from the Creole-speaking World. Past performances included premier acts such as Exile One, Kassav, Gramacks/New Generations, Tabou Combo, Swinging Stars, La Perfecta and others as well as solo artists like Sean Paul, Ophelia, Tania St. Valle, Sakis, Franky Vincent, Sweet Mickey and Maxi Priest. For more information visit www.wcmfdominica.com.

Independence Day – On November 3, Dominica will celebrate its 32nd year as an independent nation with an array of cultural events, parties, traditional music performances, folklore and dances. During this time, citizens and friends of Dominica unite to celebrate and reflect on the progress and development that has taken place over the years and to reaffirm their commitment to building a better future for “the Nature Island.” Many milestones have been reached over this period of 32 years and this is an opportunity to highlight, individual community and institutional accomplishments.

For more information on events occurring throughout the year visit www.discoverdominica.com.

Known as “the Nature Island” and located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, the independent nation of Dominica (pronounced “dom-in-eek-a”) is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, encompassing an area of nearly 290 square miles. Of volcanic origins with mountains reaching heights of nearly 5,000 feet, rainforests that are considered among the last true oceanic rainforests in the world, more than 365 rivers, waterfalls the second largest Boiling Lake in the world and pristine coral reefs, Dominica’s natural diversity is truly unique. Dominica is also home to the last remaining settlement of Indigenous People of the Caribbean – The Carib Indians. A place where man and nature live in harmony, adventurers and nature lovers alike will revel in the Island’s eco-tourism options which include scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking/trekking, whale, dolphin and bird watching, sailing and fishing.

Dominica continues to be recognized for its attributes and responsible tourism efforts, including being the first country in the world to receive Benchmarking designation from the prestigious eco-tourism organization Green Globe 21. National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destination ranked the island as the top sustainable island in the Caribbean and among the top ten in the world. Dominica was recognized by Islands Magazine and was included in its 2007 Blue List for being a leader in responsible tourism and ensuring an environmentally and culturally sound island for future generations. Most recently, Travel + Leisure announced Dominica as one of the most compelling destinations to visit in their 100 Greatest Trips 2008 edition.