Mas Domnik 2024 set to return in Dominica, know events

Roseau, Dominica: Dominica’s carnival season is set to open with the official ceremony this Saturday, January 6, 2024, with the Mas Domnik. One of the most important elements of Mas Domnik is Sensary, also known as the iconic character of the carnival.

It is to be noted that the event featured the bold young women from the various pageants across the island wearing traditional costumes such as

– Bwa bwa

– Darkies

– Ban Move

– Sensay

– Lapo Kabwit

– Calypsonians

– Flag wavers

– Costume bands

Additionally, the Caribbean’s most original carnival, dubbed ‘The Real Mas’, brings together the African and French traditions and attracts travel enthusiasts across the region to witness a dazzling display of social solidarity and cultural explosion of art, music and dance.

The ‘Real Mas’ will take place on Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday with Jouvert. Interestingly, the Monday Carnival features t-shirt bands, popular bouyon music and lively parades.

The Tuesday will display a kaleidoscope of traditional and contemporary bands vying for the street crown.  

Moreover, the Calypso Monarch and Carnival Queen competitions are significant events in the Carnival celebrations. The lineup of the first four events for the National Carnival of Dominica- Mas Dominik 2024 will be held in February 2024.

Notably, the event will showcase the true picture of the culture and heritage of the country. Currently, Dominica makes sensay from crocus bags, frayed ropes, cloth and banana leaves.

Further, the costume is typically worn with a full-face mask and bull horns, with performers dancing along the streets and often intimidating young on-lookers.

From the traditional mas masquerades to the rhythms of the steel pan for cultural exhibitions, the event will be filled with full energy and entertainment. The forthcoming events will be Pinknic, Paan In De City, Ole mas, Carnival fete and Incognito experience.

In addition, carnival is traditionally celebrated in Dominica during the entire month of February and part of March. The parades are held every Sunday in different constituencies throughout the country.