Return of national dress parade, youth rally, pageantry among other features of this year’s 44th independence celebration

Dominica’s 44th Independence celebration will see the return of the national dress parade, the national youth rally, Madam and Miss Wob Dwiyet as well as many other activities.

Unveiling the official calendar during the launch of the celebration over the weekend, Minister for Culture Roselyn Paul noted that while many of the events may be standard, this year’s celebration will be that much more special and welcome as it follows a lapse caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Included on the calendar which runs from September 24 to November 5, 2022, are the festival dwivays and hotspots organized by the Dominica Festival Commission (DFC) every Friday throughout the season.

This year will also feature district festivals instead of competitions “as we seek to set a more celebratory tone around the island, but ensuring the active participation of all communities with a high level of performances and ensuring as well that there is a decentralization of our cultural events,” Paul said.

National days of prayer and thanksgiving will be on the first and second of October, followed by history week which will focus on herbal traditions.

National Emblems Week will be from October 10 to 14 and this year’s Market Day with a Difference will be observed at five locations over three weekends.

The Botanical Gardens is expected to come alive with the first of its kind Ti Vilaj Kweyol from October 24-27.

In addition to the compact lineup (full lineup below), the Minister also announced that there will be many fringe events that complement all the national activities.

She stated that the official launch of the season is a clear indication that the nation is one step closer to normalcy after a very long, dreaded period.

“And indeed, it is exhilarating,” Paul remarked.

In light of the return of in-person activity, Paul called on the nation to embrace, preserve and promote Dominica’s rich heritage which she said, was not only a result of the work of the cultural division, but many cultural groups, corporate citizens, and other stakeholders who are making their presence felt.

“ I am predicting that this long-awaited independence season is going to be a platform for a cultural resurgence that will include not only the Cultural Division but all government ministries and departments, the private sector, and of course, you the general public as usual, without even being prompted, ” she declared.

Speaking of the theme ‘one Dominica, one people, one vision’ Acting Chief Cultural officer, Earlston Matthew, stressed that there are certain values and beliefs that cannot be overemphasized.

“The challenge that we faced this year, and by we, I mean the Cultural Division, the independence committee, the National Cultural Council, and all private promoters is to replicate what we managed to accomplish over the past two years now in a live setting where there is less room for error,” he said.

“Think back on the pilot events during the Carnival season, and the virtual activities of last independence, most recently the golden drum award ceremony, and you will understand where I’m coming from. We hope to prove from tonight onwards that there is a higher gear or next level to aspire to with regard to the quality of our product offerings,” Mathew added.

He went on to stress the importance of the independence celebration particular this year, noting that outside of the increase in economic activity, “these periods are also times when politics and other divisive mediums are placed on the back burner and culture gets its time to do what it does best unite our people and develop our society and that is invaluable.”

For her part, the Mayor of Roseau, Her Worship Worship Ermine Royer, issued an appeal for oneness and unity of the people during this independence celebrations.

“I also want to salute and encourage all of you who have taken the mantle of leadership at the national and local level in ensuring that our culture, tradition and heritage survive many generations, if not for eternity. I urge all Dominica at home and abroad and visitors alike to participate in our celebration and enjoy the nature isle, a country where we see years of a brighter tomorrow,” she said.

Royer also urged everyone to continue to follow and adhere to the COVID-19 protocol and remain safe all through the independence season and beyond.

Attached below is the full calendar of events.