Colors of Dominica Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Dominica, despite its small size, has a very rich cultural heritage. However, the official language here is English, so in large tourist areas, it will not be difficult to find an English-speaking local resident. Although a fairly large percentage of the population use the patois for communication, which has occurred through the synthesis of local dialects and the French rules for pronunciation, Anglo-Creole has spread more and more in recent years.

The British and French dominated on the island at different times. Both those and others were not too loyal to the local population, which was preserved in the name of the Massacre River. Therefore, when traveling to Dominica, it is best to refrain from any statements, related to colonial conquest. However, there is almost no national tension here, and the crime rate is rather low. Although, in recent years, as the number of tourists, arriving in Dominica, has increased, the number of abductions of personal property has risen, and therefore it is best to keep your valuables in the hotel.

Despite the motley national composition – the descendants of European colonists, the descendants of black slaves, and Arawaks, and the Caribbean tribe of Kalinago live here – all local residents have several common features. The brightest of them is a universal love for music and dancing in all its manifestations. Most residents are Catholics, and therefore one of the most striking events of the island is Mas Domnik, otherwise known as the "Spring Festival", timed to the Lent. During the carnival, music flows from the windows of each house, and cheerful dances do not subside until the morning. The inhabitants of Dominica generally like to celebrate everything hugely, and on holidays it is common to have fun and treat everyone, from small to large. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

However, the most large-scale festivities in Dominica occur in November and are timed to the Independence Day. For two weeks until the most memorable date, there is the International Festival of Creole music, which introduces travelers not only to folk instruments but also to traditions and customs, national costumes, legends and life of Creoles. The unusual synthesis of cultures on Dominica only highlights the fact that after the Independence Day in November, the next day is the Day of the British Commonwealth, which is also traditionally celebrated on a grand scale.

The influence of the British is not limited to historical dates, architectural buildings, and the state language. The population of Dominica, for example, is very fond of cricket, which is not very popular in other countries. Here, as in the UK, the traffic is left-handed, and sandwiches have been one of the most popular snacks for many years now. All this combines with the bright outfits, the love for loud rhythmic music and the belief in spirits and sorcerers, which is still strong on the island, despite all the efforts of the priests.

On Dominica there is a territory of "Caribs". This is the way the local tribes, which lived on the island before the arrival of Europeans, are most often called. The name of this people is Kalinago. Interestingly, women were more often called Calipons. The name of the tribe came from the word "peaceful man". Now the territories of the Caribs are in the east of the island, and anyone can get there. The hunters and fishermen of Kalinago still live exactly the same way as they had thousands of years ago. Pottery, cooking, weaving baskets and canoe construction are popular among the Caribs. The Aboriginals willingly sell or change the things they produce. In general, the Caribs are friendly towards the tourists. You can learn more about the life and customs of Kalinago in Kalinago Barana Aute, an artificially created village, where the local hold special theatrical performances, telling about their history and culture.