Independence Day

There may be no better time to immerse yourself in authentic Dominican culture than during Independence Day. Independence celebrations honor Dominica's independence from Great Britain on November 3, 1978. Independence festivities celebrate music, dress, dance, and cuisine. Every year, the country commemorates its Independence with a variety of cultural activities which can last as long as four weeks. These events portray vivid examples of the island's cultural influences. The traditional dances display European traces including Hill & Toe, Waltz, and Quadrille as well as Bèlè, which borrows from African native dances.

The Wob Dwiyet is the centerpiece of the National Dress and is widely worn in this celebration. Jing Ping is the island's traditional music, it is formally known as the Accordian Band and features the Bamboo Flute, the Gwaj (an idiophone), the Boom Boom (a long bamboo wind instrument), and of course the Accordian. The island Quadrille and Bele dances harken back to a time of elegance but with a distinct Caribbean flavor. Independence Day would not be complete without enjoying signature dishes on the island, such as crab-backs, callaloo, and titiwi accras.

Time: November 3rd.

Place: Dominica.