33 Years of Independence!

Thirty three years ago on 3 November 1978 Dominica gained it's independence from Great Britain and became an independent republic within the Commonwealth. In addition to celebrating independence Dominica incorporates celebrations of it's unique Kweyol culture thus making this time of the year Independence Season. With colorful events, starting six weeks to the day, such as World Heritage Day, Kweyol in the Park, Kweyol Music Festival, National Flag Day, Kweyol Dress Parade, (and this is just to name a few) it is hard to dodge the music, traditional garb, and joy that the people of Dominica have surrounding them.   


Kweyol in the Park 

Ari, Me, Wil

This is a Monday through Thursday event that draws together and displays the culture's music, arts and crafts, food, and people from all over Dominica and those living abroad. 
This is by far one of my favorite events. It takes place at the Botanical Gardens in town and runs from 12 pm to 7 pm and is good for the whole family. 

Kweyol in the Park

look at the rainbow!

 During the six weeks leading up to the day every Friday and every Sunday people wear their traditional Madras. I had a lady, Mrs Velma, in the village of Salisbury to make me an outfit. I went and picked out my material and then helped her cut the fabric for the skirt....she did all the sewing! The Friday before independence is Jounen Kweyol. It is where everyone is dressed in their Madras and the schools march around the village, perform songs and dances and indulge in delicious traditional food.

Seamstress Velma  

I spent the morning with St. John's Primary School and marched with them around the village. When we got back to the school I watched some of the performances before heading over to CALLS. When I arrived at CALLS I was soon put to work helping prepare the traditional meal of green banana, plantains, yams, codfish, dasheen, roasted breadfruit, calilou soup with crab, and fish. After the meal the trainees had a fun time teaching me the traditional dance (maybe next year I will compete with them!). This was by far one of the most fun and spirited days I have had in Dominica. I felt so lucky to be a part of it all. 

Students at St. John's Primary 

Lining up for the Parade at
St. John's Primary 

Parading down the Bay Front in Portsmouth 

Homemade grill used to
prepare the meal 

Shem (first year student)
cooking fish

Pealing a roasted Breadfruit 

I was demoted from pealing to just holding the pan!

Me and my little man 

one of the first year students 

the CALLS Gang eating!!!

Market Day with a Difference 
This is an event where farmers and vendors are recognized for there hard work, devotion and contribution to the production and distribution of food over the years. The fresh produce is arranged on top of beautiful sheets of Madras fabric. Cultural groups come and perform along with speeches given from community leaders. 

 These are just a few of the events there are many many more. 
Here is a video of one of the competitions that I went to....