about
Dubbed ‘The Real Mas’,
Mas Domnik brings together African and French traditions and attracts revelers from far and wide to witness a dazzling display of social solidarity and a cultural explosion of music, art and dance.
What began as a tradition of costume festivals and carousing by slaves celebrating their freedom through masquerade, dancing and singing in the streets soon became a fundamental aspect of carnival, as it was a rare opportunity for revelers to celebrate a culture uniquely their own. Carnival historically takes place on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent. In the months leading up to Carnival, there are Calypso shows, village festivals and pageants. Traditionally, Monday and Tuesday are the two final days of celebration before the quiet and reflective Lenten period.
Mas Domnik, themed as the Real Mas for keeping to the traditional roots, celebrates carnival with street parades showcasing our traditional roots such as the Sensé or BwaBwa, drumming from the Lapeau Kabwit Bands and dancing to Calypso or Bouyon Music. The main carnival celebration starts in the early hours of J’ouvert morning up until Carnival Tuesday, with several cultural activities culminating in a burial ritual on Ash Wednesday. Recognized as one of Dominica’s three signature events, Mas Domnik – The Real Mas, remains sought after by many regional and international media. Its popularity provides invaluable and far-reaching exposure for Dominica and all its offerings as a cultural and festival haven. Mas Domnik -The Real Mas is also famed for building regional cooperation and network capabilities in tourism, culture, and entertainment.
Though Mas Domnik -The Real Mas has entered the modern age through adaptations of costumes and the inclusion of T-shirt bands, the event continues to be characterized with traditional offerings. Mas Domnik- The Real Mas aims to continue to place Dominica as a top cultural and festival tourism destination within the region as well as give maximum exposure to all our partners.
Come entice your imagination and experience the ultimate cultural intimacy with the most original carnival in the Caribbean.
