ROSEAU, DOMINICA – Dominica’s 25th annual World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) has concluded on an unprecedented high, drawing record-breaking crowds and fueling a significant surge in tourism that has injected vibrant energy into the island’s economy. The milestone celebration, held from October 24 to 26, 2025, not only showcased the rich tapestry of Creole music but also solidified Dominica’s position as a premier cultural and music destination in the Caribbean.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Visitor Surge
The 25th edition of the WCMF surpassed all previous attendance records, attracting over 42,000 patrons across its three electrifying nights. This figure represents a substantial leap from the 30,217 attendees recorded in 2024, underscoring the festival’s growing appeal. Accompanying this massive turnout was a remarkable 48 percent increase in visitor arrivals in the nine days leading up to the event, with 10,540 visitors making their way to the island. This marks the highest pre-festival arrival figure ever recorded, signaling a powerful return to peak international engagement for Dominica’s signature event.
Economic Windfall for Local Businesses
The influx of tens of thousands of visitors created a profound economic ripple effect across Dominica. Hotels and accommodations reported full or near-full occupancy throughout the festival period, marking their highest levels ever recorded. Restaurants, nightlife venues, and tour operators experienced unprecedented demand, extending their operations to cater to the surge of patrons. Small businesses, local artisans, taxi operators, and farmers also reported substantial increases in sales and revenue, with the festival’s economic impact being felt in every corner of the island. This broad-based economic benefit highlights the festival’s role as a crucial driver for local livelihoods and sustainable economic activity.
Ministerial Praise for Cultural and Economic Triumph
Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton, Dominica’s Minister for Tourism, expressed immense pride in the festival’s success, stating, “Dominicans welcomed the world, and the world responded.” She emphasized that the 25th-anniversary celebration reflects not just meticulous planning but also the deep passion, creativity, and resilience of the Dominican people. Marva Williams, CEO of the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and Director of Tourism, echoed these sentiments, describing the WCMF as “a cultural flagship that has elevated Dominica’s visibility and amplified the voices of Creole people everywhere.” Williams added, “As we commemorate 25 years, we are proud to present a line-up that reflects the evolution of our sound, culture and Caribbean identity.” The government’s significant investment, including approximately $12 million for the 2024 festival, has been noted for generating a substantial multiplying effect on the economy.
A Legacy of Creole Music and Global Appeal
Established in 1997, the World Creole Music Festival has evolved into one of the most significant cultural events in the Caribbean. Its primary objectives have always been to enhance Dominica’s arts and entertainment industries and to position the island as a unique tourism destination. The festival serves as a vibrant platform for celebrating a diverse range of Creole music genres, including Dominica’s own bouyon and cadence-lypso, alongside zouk, kompa, reggae, dancehall, soca, and afrobeat from across the region and beyond. Held annually during Dominica’s Independence season and Creole Month, it draws loyal regional patrons and new international visitors alike, drawn by the music and the island’s renowned natural beauty.
The Silver Jubilee Celebration
The 25th edition, themed “Global Echoes of the Nature Island: Celebrating 25 Years of Creole Music, Magic, and Memories,” featured a star-studded lineup that included regional powerhouses, international icons, and beloved local legends. Highlights from the three nights included performances by Burning Flames (Antigua), Romain Virgo (Jamaica), Steel Pulse (UK/Jamaica), Kes The Band (Trinidad & Tobago), Spice (Jamaica), Tiwa Savage (Nigeria), and Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons (Trinidad & Tobago), alongside a strong contingent of Dominican artists. This blend of global and local talent underscored the festival’s theme and its role in showcasing Caribbean musical excellence on a worldwide stage.
Looking Ahead
The resounding success of the 25th World Creole Music Festival serves as a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of Creole culture and Dominica’s capacity to host world-class events. As the island celebrates this achievement, plans are already underway for future editions, with the aim of further enhancing its status as a leading cultural and music tourism hub in the Caribbean. The festival continues to be a vital component of Dominica’s tourism strategy, reinforcing its identity as the Nature Island and the region’s vibrant entertainment capital.