Dominica offers much more than a stunning nature adventure. Its rich culture is a blend of English, French, African, and Carib peoples. Colorful costumes, music, and pageantry are on display at a host of celebrations, from Carnival to the World Creole Music Festival, and the many independence celebrations around the island. Though Dominica received its independence from Britain on November 3rd 1978, the country commemorates this date with an extended period of cultural celebrations which can last as long as four weeks.

Dominica boasts wonderful examples of Caribbean architecture with a distinctive mix of French, English and Spanish influences. Monumental buildings from colonial times, as well as some old plantation estates, are a must see. A self-guided walking tour through historic Roseau, from the Society for Architectural Preservation and Enhancement (SHAPE) office in Roseau, allows you to experience the rich history and architecture of the capital city.

Dominica is the only Caribbean island with a remaining population of pre-Columbian Carib Indians. Migrating in waves from South America as early as 3,000 B.C., various tribes made Dominica their home, and by 1,000 A.D. were well settled, calling the island "Wai'tukubuli" meaning 'tall is her body' in the Kalinago language. Today, over 2,000 Caribs, properly known as the Kalinago, inhabit a 3,700-acre territory on the northwestern side of the island.

Don’t expect to encounter a primitive people in grass skirts practicing primordial rituals. There is little to differentiate them from the rest of the population. But it is still possible to acquire a glimpse of their ancestral roots, especially from their craft, canoe building and traditional culinary activity.