The cultural heartbeat of Atkinson Village will pulse once again as the Sewenal Festival returns on December 21, 2025, following a seven-year absence. With substantial backing from the Dominican government, this revival celebrates both Christmas traditions and indigenous Kalinago heritage through vibrant musical performances and community gatherings.
Honourable Cozier Frederick, Parliamentary Representative for Salybia Constituency, formally presented a $30,000 governmental contribution to festival organizers during a ceremony attended by Atkinson Village Council officials. The funding was delivered on behalf of Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, demonstrating administrative support for cultural preservation efforts.
Festival organizers promise an immersive cultural experience featuring traditional Jing Ping bands from across Dominica, alongside dynamic performances by Swinging Stars and Signal Band. The event serves as a living repository of Dominican Christmas customs intertwined with Kalinago cultural legacy.
During the funding presentation, Hon. Frederick emphasized the government’s commitment to community festivals as catalysts for cultural conservation, economic stimulation, and social cohesion. He noted the festival’s return after seven years underscores the resilience of Dominican traditions against modern challenges.
The Atkinson Village Council expressed profound gratitude for the prompt financial assistance, confirming these resources will be strategically allocated toward event coordination, production requirements, and community mobilization efforts.
Anticipated to draw both residents and international visitors, the 2025 Sewenal Festival positions Atkinson Village as a focal point of Dominica’s national cultural calendar during the holiday season, potentially boosting local tourism and cultural visibility.