Dominica’s Minister of Tourism Denise Charles-Pemberton has revealed spectacular economic results from the island’s 2025 cultural festivities, announcing that Carnival and the World Creole Music Festival collectively injected approximately $69.6 million into the national economy. The substantial financial impact was disclosed during Friday’s official launch ceremony for Mas Domnik 2026, highlighting the growing significance of cultural tourism in Dominica’s development strategy.
The minister emphasized that these cultural events have become powerful economic drivers, supporting thousands of jobs while stimulating business activity and ensuring substantial income distribution nationwide. “When our culture moves, Dominica moves, when our creatives thrive, our people thrive,” Charles-Pemberton declared, capturing the symbiotic relationship between cultural expression and economic prosperity.
Looking ahead to Carnival 2026, scheduled to commence on January 10th, authorities promise an enhanced experience with particular emphasis on traditional masquerade for both the opening celebrations and national parade. The event will return to Windsor Park Sports Stadium, designated as “Carnival City,” providing a secure, comfortable, and centralized venue for performers and spectators alike. The capital city of Roseau will transform into a vibrant hub featuring designated chill zones, entertainment pockets, and extensive offerings of local cuisine, crafts, and music.
Complementing the main events, an extensive calendar of fringe activities and village masquerades will ensure continuous entertainment, demanding what the minister described as boundless energy from participants. “From sunrise to sundown is pure ‘Sewo’,” Charles-Pemberton noted, invoking the local term for festive celebration.
In a special recognition ceremony, the Ministry of Tourism and Discover Dominica Authority honored Mr. Darnley Guye as the Mas Domnik 2026 Personality of the Year. This accolade celebrates Guye’s extraordinary five-decade contribution to Carnival through costume design, parade organization, craftsmanship, and leadership. The minister praised Guye as a foundational figure who “carried this culture long before many of us even touched the road,” acknowledging his role in shaping the contemporary festival experience. This recognition follows last year’s tribute to the late Frankie ‘Krazy T’ Bellot, maintaining the tradition of honoring cultural architects.