French and African tradition meld together to produce Mas Domnik. Dominica’s carnival attracts all ages, ethnicities, and nations to its carnival celebrations yearly. Dominica presents two days of carnival revelry. Carnival Monday offers a taste of history, Traditional Old Mas is a highlight for the day. Cultural staples like Sensay, Negre Mawon, and Lapo Kabwit are recognizable Monday. Sensay is of West African origin and is a costume made to resemble a bird like creature with ruffled feathers – you’ll find several people dressed sensay style or in the name of Negre Mawon. Negre Mawon, a Creole term, or runaway slave is style tradition where people pay tribute to the enslaved who escaped their fate and ran into the mountains, meant to honor and celebrate. Lastly you’ll find Lapo Kabwit another Creole term meaning goat skin drums, these cause quite the stir when they are brought out and played. No one resists the rhythmic beats of Lapo Kabwit bands. If Traditional Old Mas is not your thing, though it should be experience Mas Domnik is not without an epic modern parade celebration. Masquearders and traditional costumers hit the road to fete under Dominica’s sun until it retires for the day.
First off, Dominica is absolutely worth visiting for its natural beauty. Outside of those events, we went to Pinknic, Drift Boatride, Opulence Brunch, Sunrise, and Viva La Carnival. Viva and sunrise were the best fetes as the DJs and other entertainers were really good. Drift was the worst. The music cut off almost as soon as the boat sailed off and we were in the sea with no music or vibes. We purchased VIP tickets to Pinknic and did not get VIP treatment. Opulence brunch was semi-inclusive with light bites and the vibes were pretty good given they were the same promoters as the boat ride. Expect to hear dancehall, bouyon, and soca at the fetes. Expect to hear live bands and a DJ depending on the time you go out.