ROSEAU, DOMINICA – The vibrant island of Dominica has officially inaugurated its premier cultural festival, Mas Domnik 2026, with a spectacular National Parade and Opening Ceremony on Saturday, January 10th. The festivities commenced at 2:30 PM in Pottersville, situated in the parking area adjacent to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, marking the formal commencement of the extended Carnival season, which is celebrated as ‘The Real Mas’.
The ceremonial opening featured the official proclamation of the Carnival season, a special tribute to cultural figure Darnley Guye, the symbolic handing over of the Carnival key, and addresses from key stakeholders. This was immediately followed by the National Parade from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, a dynamic procession showcasing the island’s rich cultural tapestry. The parade was spearheaded by approximately 60 traditional ‘sennsés’ groups, followed by over 60 participating troupes. The spectacle featured a magnificent display of Traditional Mas, including Kalinago têt mas, big boom-boom characters, agile stilt walkers, and dramatic black devils, alongside elaborate costume bands, pageantry, and artistically designed floats.
The parade route traversed major thoroughfares, beginning along the E.O. LeBlanc Highway at the St. Alphonsus grounds, proceeding down Goodwill Road, crossing the EC Loblack Bridge, and continuing along Independence Street, King George V Street, Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard, and Kennedy Avenue. The daytime celebrations transitioned into the evening with performances by electronic bands and a calypso truck, offering a tantalizing preview of the energy anticipated for Carnival Monday and Tuesday on February 16th and 17th.
Authorities issued advisories urging motorists and residents along the parade route to remove vehicles from the streets beforehand to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of participants. The public was encouraged to adhere to all traffic directives from law enforcement to support an orderly event.
Gerard Cools-Lartigue, Chair of the Dominica Festivals Committee, emphasized the event’s national significance, stating, ‘Mas Domnik is one of the most anticipated events on Dominica’s calendar with direct impact on economic activity, employment and visitor arrivals.’ Echoing this sentiment, Marva Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Discover Dominica Authority, highlighted the season’s robust foundation: ‘Last season recorded a 34 percent increase in visitor arrivals and an estimated EC twenty-five million dollars in economic activity, setting the pace for a season focused on stronger organization, greater creativity and wider participation.’
Mas Domnik 2026, which runs from December 13, 2025, to February 26, 2026, features over forty events across the island. Residents and international visitors are invited to participate in the festivities that celebrate Dominica’s unique cultural heritage.