Dominica's
Unique Culture
Like many Caribbean islands, Dominica has been influenced
by different cultures over the course of its history. Originally
inhabited by Arawak and Carib Indians, colonised by Europeans
(the English and French in particular), injected with a strong
African influence during the 18th century, then flooded with
American television in recent years, Dominica's culture is
as multi-faceted as the madras fabric worn as traditional
dress. |
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Birdwatching
Pirates Dominica
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Cuisine
Our cuisine is like our history and culture, an exciting blend which draws heavily from our Creole past.
Tropical fruits and vegetables are in abundance, and not surprising for an island, our range of seafood is second to none!
Particular delicacies you should try land crabs, our delicious locally grown coffee; and a wide range of local fruit juices. Be sure to take home with you our hot pepper sauce!
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Language
English is the official language, but a French-based Creole (also known as Patois) is widely spoken, especially in outlying villages.
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| Dominica's
Creole Language |
| Marcel
Fontaine published a Kweyol Diksyonne in 1991. This useful
book has over 6,000 entries, a Pronunciation and Grammar Guide
and Common Phrases; it can be found in local bookstores.
In the late 1980's, the Creole Language was beginning to disappear
from Dominica. Mr. Fontaine's contribution in recording this
traditionally oral language onto the written page is invaluable.
Samples
of Creole
Lapli ka tonbe. (It is raining)
Jodi se yon bel jou. (Today is a beautiful day.)
Click
here
for a more detailed explanation of how to speak creole.
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History
Columbus sighted the island on Sunday, November 3, 1493, but the island had been inhabited by Caribs from around 1000 AD, giving the island the name Waitukubuli which meant 'Tall is her body'. The British fought the French over control of the island several times in the 1700s before gaining control in the early 1800s. Independence from Britain came in 1978. Click here for a detailed timeline of our history.
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Events |
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Annual
events in Dominica mirror the important aspects of the country's
culture. From Carnival Celebrations in February/March, through
to Independence Celebrations in November, Dominican's know
how to have fun and celebrate what's important to them.
Visit the Events page and see "What's
On" throughout the year.
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Guestbook
