Dominica’s 46th Independence Day events lineup gears up with the highly awaited Flavors of the World Festival. The festival took place on Sunday, September 29th, 2024, at the Forecourt Windsor Park Stadium in Roseau, Dominica.
The event also reflected the 46th Independence Day theme Peyti Nao, Kado Nau (Our Country, Our Gift). It brings people together to experience and take part in the rich and diverse Dominican culture.
Residents of the Dominican Republic and visitors from around the world enjoyed the festival from 2 to 10 pm, celebrating global cuisines and culture.
Flavors of the World Festival allowed attendees to experience International cuisine. Attendees visited different food stalls designed by restaurants, chefs, and local food vendors from all over the globe and tasted different cuisines.
Many visitors opened up about the different cuisines they tasted at the festival. They stated they had Chinese, Indian, Lebanese, Haitian, African, and Spanish cuisine, along with foods from Kalinago people, Creole foods, and more.
The Flavors of the World Festival featured a live performance by Dominica-based renowned singer Marie Pascale, also known as the Afrobeat Princess of the Caribbean. Marie is well known for her live soulful performances and hits like Call Me Women and Bucketlist and more. Her contribution to Jazz music and preserving African music is commendable. Pascale’s appearance at the festival adds a unique and enriching cultural element to the event.
Other artists who also performed at the event were Tasha P, Derrick Ra Peters, Carlyn XP, King Dice, Ralph Conde, Extasy Band, Michelle Henderson, and Triple Kay, music and dance by the Indian Institute of Trinidad.
The festival also showcased Dominican culture with Kalinago dancers, Jing Ping dancers, Calypso, and Bouyon acts, as well as performances expected from Africa, India, Venezuela, Haiti, and Martinique.
This year, the festival offered a special meaning since the received funds will be directed to the restoration of the Ross Cathedral, which is one of the sights of Dominica. The festival was not just limited by fabulous food and music but also aimed to support the preservation of Dominica’s culture and heritage. The renovation project itself is to repair the cathedral in order that future generations can further admire its historical and architectural values.
One of the organizers of the Flavors of the World Festival, Cecelia St Hilaire, expressed her gratitude to all the volunteers who helped to make this event successful. The tickets cost around $100 for adults, along with a food tester. Attendees who wanted to have a VIP experience got food festival tickets for $250. Children’s tickets cost around $20.
