One of DARDA's main objectives is the preservation of Dominica's rich cultural heritage here in America. 

The National Day Celebration is planned so that parents, children, family and friends can come together in a great cultural experience to enjoy our music, traditional dances, stories and national dress.  This celebration helps to promote a greater understanding of Dominica's rich heritage.  Proceeds from the celebration benefit various needy causes in Dominica.

In 2011, DARDA will celebrate Dominica's 33rd Anniversary of Independence with a Gala Cultural Extravaganza!

Date: Sunday, November 6, 2011
Location: The Grand Ballroom, Eastwood Manor ~ 3371 Eastchester Road, Bronx NY
Time: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Cost: $85 per ticket (includes Cocktail Hour, Buffet, Rolling Bar and Entertainment

Raffle tickets are currently on sale ($1 per ticket; $5 for a book of 6)
The drawing will be held at the National Day Dance.

SELL 10 OR MORE DANCE TICKETS AND RECEIVE ONE FREE
SELL 50 RAFFLE BOOKS AND RECEIVE $50.00

Please contact your local DARDA member or email dardaorg@gmail.com for additional information!

In 2010, DARDA celebrated Dominica's 32nd Anniversary of Independence with a National Day Gala held at The Eastwood Manor in Bronx NY.

The evening was full of great food, music, and entertainment.  Guests were treated to cultural performances by Know Your Culture Dance Co., Henderson Cultural Group, and Cordy Norde.  Dominican souvenirs were also available for purchase.  It is always a great pleasure to see so many Dominicans (many in traditional National Dress) coming together in celebration of our culture and heritage!

All proceeds from DARDA's National Day Luncheon and raffle will benefit various worthy causes in Dominica.

DARDA members begin the National Day celebration with the singing of the United States and Dominica national anthems.

DARDA President Mrs. Lorna Phillips welcomes guests and makes her opening remarks.

Special guest Mr. Hubert John Charles, Dominica’s Ambassador to the Organization of American States, addresses the crowd.

Ambassador Hubert J. Charles presents School Supply Drive chairman Janelle McIntyre with an award in appreciation of the successful implementation of DARDA's School Supply Drive initiative.

Cody Norde sings for the crowd.

9 year old Corde Nody, the daughter of Sandy and Brian Node, has been singing and dancing from a very young age.  She has performed at City Hall for the Caribbean United event and is also a returning performer for the Miss Wob Dwiyet pageant in New Jersey.  In 2008, Cody was the Queen of the Labour Day Dominica band and, that same year, performed for the President and Prime Minister of Dominica.

"Henderson Cultural Group" performs for the crowd.

Henderson Cultural Group, led by Miss Justina Henderson, has been performing in the tri-state area and beyond - including at DARDA's National Day celebration - for several years.  Miss Henderson is from the Gran Bay area of Dominica and was a member of the famous Tradibelle Cultural Group.

Dancers: Justina Henderson, Alex Taylor, Christina Ambo, Nona Charles, and Makida Emanuel

"Know Your Culture Dance Co." performs for the crowd.

"Know Your Culture Dance Co." is the brain child of Sabeniah George Mingo, a native of Dominica who has devoted the past several years to promoting Dominica's unique cultural heritage to audiences across the United States and elsewhere.  Her passion for dance and culture created the need to give back to her community so she started the dance company - cultivating and grooming children of Dominican parentage through folk dance and other artistic expressions.  She requires each student to complete an educational component based on Dominica's history and folklore, thereby enabling them to appreciate the culture of their parents' homeland.

Dancers: Michael Caines, Lateesh Caines, Sherdon Thomas, Brian Etienne, Mika Shillingford, Bernita Johnson, Jonel George, and Dana (last name omitted)

Miss Staren Soanes, Madame Wob Dwyet USA 2010

In 2010, Staren Soanes (born in Dominica and currently residing in Bronx, NY) claimed the title of Madame Wob Dwyet USA in the annual pageant held by Dominica Emerald Organization of New Jersey (DEONJ)

Guests in National Dress!

More guests in National Dress!

The crowd enjoying the music and dancing the night away... 

"Forward We Go!"

The Dominica souvenir table contained items such as keychains, lanyards, car decals, bandanas, flags, madras ties, men's sashes, hat pins, headbands, head pieces, hair clips, magnets, bracelets, and madras pot holders.

In 2009, DARDA celebrated Dominica's 31st anniversary of Independence with a National Day luncheon held Sunday, November 8th at The Eastwood Manor ~ Bronx, NY.

All proceeds benefited various causes throughout Dominica.

The Dominica Consulate in New York in collaboration with DARDA celebrated National Day 2008 with an Independence Creole Gala held Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 at Eastwood Manor ~ 3371 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10469.

Those in attendance included the Prime Minister of Dominica - the Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit; the President of the Commonwealth of Dominica - His Excellency Nicholas J. O. Liverpool and Mrs.Liverpool; Minsters of Government; and Chief Cultural Officer Raymond Lawrence (Master of Ceremonies for the event).

In 2008, DARDA celebrated National Day with a Reunion Excursion to Dominica.

In celebration of Dominica’s 30th Anniversary of Independence DARDA, with the support of the Dominica Consulate and the New York office of the Dominica Tourist Board, planned an excursion to Dominica for National Day 2008.

In 2007, DARDA celebrated Dominica's National Day of Independence with a cultural gala held at the Astoria World Manor - Astoria, NY; Sunday, November 11th from 12:30pm to 5:30pm.

Many Dominicans and friends of Dominica came to enjoy entertainment, music, food and dance.  Many thanks to Justina Henderson Dance Troupe and Rosalind McClean and dancers for putting on a wonderful show!  Also, many thanks to Lambert and The Matadors Orchestra for the wonderful music!

In 2006, DARDA celebrated Dominica's National Day of Independence with a gala cultural affair held at The Astoria World Manor, Sunday, November 11th.  DARDA was joined by members, fellow Dominicans and friends of Dominica in a celebration of history, culture and pride.

Many showed their Dominican pride by dressing in Dominica's national dress for the celebration.

The evening included live music, cultural performances, dancing, good food, and great company.

All proceeds went to help the Grotto Home for the Homeless.

Sunday, November 13th, 2005, DARDA held its annual gala event in celebration of Dominica's National Day of Independence.  DARDA members were joined by fellow Dominicans and friends of Dominica for an evening of live entertainment, dancing, and cultural performances.

The highlight of the evening came as the crowd was addressed by the Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica.  The Prime Minister shared his views on the current state of Dominica and his future initiatives for our beloved country.  Moved by his words, sincerity and enthusiasm, the crowd thanked him with thunderous applause.  His presence at DARDA’s 2005 celebration was truly an honor.

In an attempt to highlight Dominica’s culture, history and heritage, several items were on display that served as reminders of life growing up in Dominica.  Items included hand-made crafts and toys, baskets of familiar Dominican goods, and household items including a kitchen scale, traditional coffee mill and cast iron pots, among other items.

On sale were Dominican goods including spices, beverages, flags, car decals, key chains, hats, music CDs and other various items.  All proceeds benefit various worthy causes in Dominica.