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Mas Domnik
2027.

Jan 9 to Feb 10, 2027 / Carnival Monday & Tuesday, Feb 8 & 9

Dominica’s carnival keeps the old-time mas alive: Sensay, stilt walkers and Lapo Kabwit drums alongside bouyon trucks and feathered bands, building to two days on the streets of Roseau.

The season, step by step
Where to stay
117days to J'ouvert
2days on the road
5week season

Photo: Mas Domnik in Roseau · Roosevelt Skerrit / Public Domain

Dominica Carnival

Why it's the Real Mas

Mas Domnik runs at the traditional pre-Lenten time, ending on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, and it holds on to carnival traditions other islands have let go: masqueraders in Sensay costumes, stilt-walking Bwa Bwa, drum-led J’ouvert before dawn and village parades all over the island. Bouyon is the soundtrack, and since 2025 the season has crowned a Bouyon Road March alongside the calypso one.

  • Sensay costumes
  • Bwa Bwa stilt walkers
  • Lapo Kabwit drums
  • Pre-dawn J'ouvert
  • Bouyon Road March
Costume band in white and gold on the road in Roseau
On the road in Roseau
  • SeasonJan 9 to Feb 102027, opening night to Ash Wednesday
  • On the roadFeb 8 & 9Carnival Monday and Tuesday
  • WhereRoseauPlus village parades island-wide
  • EndsAsh WednesdayFeb 10: Vaval, the spirit of carnival, is put to rest

How Mas Domnik usually runs

The season, step by step

  1. Opening parade

    Late January or early February: queen contestants, calypsonians, costume groups and stilt walkers open the season.

  2. Calypso tents

    Weekly shows where calypsonians fight for a place in the Calypso Monarch final, with Wednesday nights at the Stardom tent and Friday nights at Showdown Mas Camp.

  3. Queen shows

    The Princess Show, Teenage Pageant, Mothers Queen Show and the National Queen Show, where Miss Dominica is crowned.

  4. Fetes

    Panorama by de Bay on the Roseau Bayfront, Rotary's Souse & Punch and the Lagoon Heritage Festival, plus parties most weekends.

  5. J'ouvert

    Carnival Monday from 4am: Lapo Kabwit drums lead the crowd through Roseau until sunrise.

  6. Carnival Monday

    Traditional costume bands and school bands in the morning, then T-shirt bands behind hi-fi trucks into the night.

  7. Carnival Tuesday

    The new Carnival King and Queen are presented, and the big costume bands take the road. The song played most that day wins the Road March.

  8. Ash Wednesday

    Vaval, the spirit of carnival, is buried or burned in places such as Dublanc and the Kalinago Territory.

Times and venues are from past seasons. The 2027 schedule is announced by the Dominica Festivals Committee; check Discover Dominica before you plan around a specific show.

Traditional characters

Meet the old-time mas

Stilt walkers in red and gold at carnival
Bwa BwaStilt walkers who tower over the crowd at the opening parade and on the road.
Feathered costume band on Carnival Tuesday in Roseau
Costume bandsFeathers, beads and colour: the big bands own the road on Carnival Tuesday.
SensayThe oldest costume on the road: layers of shredded cloth, rope or dried leaves under a horned mask. Sensay players register with the Dominica Festivals Committee.
Lapo KabwitGoat-skin drum bands (lapo kabwit means goat skin in Kwéyòl) that lead J'ouvert through Roseau before dawn.
Old mas bandsBlackies, Darkies, Black Devils and Ban Mouve take to the road with the traditional bands on Carnival Monday.

Photos: Mas Domnik in Roseau, Roosevelt Skerrit / Public Domain.

Carnival weekend

Where to stay

All places to stay →
VIP ResidenceRoseau · ★ 5.0Walk or short taxi to Windsor ParkFort Young Hotel and Dive ResortRoseau · ★ 4.3Walk or short taxi to Windsor ParkNarakiel’s InnRoseau · ★ 4.1Walk or short taxi to Windsor ParkRoseau Hostel & Beach Front PropertyRoseau · ★ 4.1Walk or short taxi to Windsor ParkLa Maison 29 AccommodationsRoseau · ★ 4.4Walk or short taxi to Windsor ParkEl Dorado GuestSuitesRoseau · ★ 4.8Walk or short taxi to Windsor ParkOcean’s Edge Lodge Restaurant & Bar CorpRoseau · ★ 4.1Walk or short taxi to Windsor ParkMatthews Miracle ViewRoseau · ★ 4.93 km from Windsor ParkAll 66 places to stay →

Tip from the official FAQ: book early, rooms sell out, and many hotels arrange taxis to the stadium on festival nights. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Plan your carnival

  • Book early

    Roseau rooms go first for carnival weekend. Guest houses in the Roseau Valley or on the west coast are a short taxi ride in.

  • Wear old clothes to J'ouvert

    It starts at 4am and gets messy. Bring water, small cash and shoes you don't mind ruining.

  • Join a band

    T-shirt bands are the easy way in: you jump behind a hi-fi truck with everyone else. Costume bands register and pay ahead.

  • Catch the villages

    Many villages hold their own smaller parades through the season, often with the most traditional mas.

  • Everyone is welcome

    Carnival is a time with "no enemies": visitors are welcome at most events.

  • After Ash Wednesday

    Lent brings the island back to quiet. It is the perfect week for the waterfalls and hot springs.

Coming up

All events →
Oct23World Creole Music Festival 2026Fri, Oct 23 – Oct 25 · Evenings · Windsor Park Sports Stadium, RoseauOct30Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day)Fri, Oct 30 · All day · Island-wideOct31WATO Food & Culture FestivalSat, Oct 31 · All day · Riverfront, DominicaNov3Independence DayTue, Nov 3 · All day · Roseau and island-wideJan9Mas Domnik 2027: Dominica CarnivalSat, Jan 9 – Feb 10 · Season · Roseau and villages island-wideFeb8Carnival Monday & Tuesday (Mas Domnik)Mon, Feb 8 – Feb 9 · From 4am J'ouvert · Roseau