Independence Day in 2025

When is Independence Day in Dominica?

Independence day is a public holiday in Dominica always celebrated on November 3rd.

It is the National Day of Dominica and marks independence from the United Kingdom on November 3rd 1978.

History of Independence Day in Dominica

The first European contact with this Caribbean island took place on Sunday November 3rd 1493 when Christopher Columbus sailed past during his second voyage to the new world. He named the island Dominica after the Latin term 'dies Dominica' for Sunday.

The Spanish never made a serious effort to colonise the island finding it hard to maintain for the lack of natural resources.

The French showed an interest in the seventeenth century and established the first permanent European settlement in 1690. They brought many African slaves to the island and developed coffee plantations.

Britain gained possession of Dominica in 1763 in accordance with the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Seven Years' War, though it wasn't until 1805 that the French gave up repeated attempts to recapture Dominica.

Due to a high amount of Africans on the island, Dominica became the first and only British colony in the Caribbean to have a Black-controlled legislature in 1838.

In 1871, Dominica became part of the British Leeward Islands, removing the local control on the island.

On November 3rd 1978, the Commonwealth of Dominica gained its independence from Britain as an independent republic within the Commonwealth, with Patrick John becoming it's Prime Minister.

How is Independence Day in Dominica Celebrated?

Independence Day is an opportunity to celebrate the unique heritage and Creole culture of Dominica. Events to mark independence take place in the weeks before Independence Day, including Heritage Day, Creole Day, the Miss Wob Dwiyet Pageant and the Ti Matador Competition.

The events for Independence Day don't end on November 3rd. On November 4th, The Day of Community Service, in a tradition that started as a post-party cleanup, citizens turn out to complete approved community projects.

Dominican Culture

The National Dress

The National Dress of Dominica is called the Wob Dwiyet.  It is a large gown worn by the ladies and generally featured on Creole Day (the last Friday in October).   Over the years, several variations of the national costume have emerged. The men generally wear white shirts, black pants, and a red sash, while young girls wear flowered skirts called a jupe and white tops.

The Traditional Music

Jing Ping music is traditionally Dominican.  The main instrument in a Jing Ping band is the Accordion.  Other instruments include a Bamboo Flute, the Boom Boom (a long bamboo wind instrument), and the Gwaj (an idiophone).  Dominica’s Bouyon music was originally adapted from the sound of Jing Ping.

The Traditional Dances

The Quadrille and Bėlė dances are displayed at various village festivals during the six-week independence season. Quadrille, Flirtation and Mazouk are some dances from the island’s European heritage while Bėlė is from our African heritage.

National Food

The delectable creole dishes, some not only unique to Dominica, are the highlight of the Independence season. Stuffed Crab-backs, Titiwi accras, fig (green bananas) or breadfruit and saltfish are some of the tasty dishes enjoyed during that time. Dominica’s national dish is now Callalou, a change from the Crapaud which is now an endangered species.