Dates Announced for 2011 Carnival in Dominica

ROSEAU, Dominica, Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Discover Dominica Authority today announced the calendar of events for its upcoming Carnival celebration. Carnival is the most festive season in Dominica (Dom-in-EEK-a), a spectacular green island of rugged mountains, lush rainforests and rushing rivers in the Eastern Caribbean.

Carnival – or "The Real Mas" – is a pre-Lenten festival with a rich history dating back thousands of years. Carnival in Dominica is highlighted by a kaleidoscope of colors, a street parade and an exciting and entertaining street dance known as jump-up.

"Carnival is one of the most anticipated celebrations on the island," said Colin Piper, director of tourism, Discover Dominica Authority. "Visitors and residents alike won't want to miss the excitement that begins in early January, continues through February and culminates in early March."

Carnival highlights for 2011 include:

• January 2 – March 5 (select dates): Calypso – This event features dozens of Carnival musicians, or calypsonians, who compete for the "Dominica Calypso Monarch" title. The competition begins in the weeks before the grand finale on Saturday, March 5.
• February 12: Opening Parade – The lively parade features Carnival queen and princess contestants, popular bands or Calypsonians, dancers in colorful costumes, stilt walkers (also called Moco Jumbies by locals) and cheerleaders who happily entertain enthusiastic spectators.
• February 20 and 27, March 4: Princess Show/Teenage Pageant/National Queen Show – This popular event showcases the talents and beauty of Dominica's women and culminates with the crowning of Miss Dominica on March 4.
• March 7 and 8: Jump-up – This event features two days of costume bands and street dancing.

In addition to these key Carnival events that take place in the capital of Roseau, several small villages across the island also participate in the local pageantry.

Affordable accommodations in Dominica are still available for Carnival events by visiting http://www.dominica.dm/site/wheretostay.cfm.

About Dominica

Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) lies south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean. Dominica offers adventure experiences for travelers who are looking for a unique travel vacation in the Caribbean.

Travelers can connect to Dominica on Caricom Airways, LIAT, American Eagle or WinAir from the surrounding hubs of Puerto Rico, Antigua, St. Maarten, Barbados and St. Lucia.

More information is available by visiting www.discoverdominica.com.

SOURCE Discover Dominica Authority