Organisers of Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl have announced that a dedicated wellness space will be introduced as a major new feature of the event's fifth edition this year, giving local practitioners and producers a platform to present their work to a wider audience.
Events Manager Kareem Guiste made the announcement during the official launch of the 2026 programme, describing the wellness area as an important addition to the cultural village. The space is expected to bring together Dominicans working in areas such as herbal medicine, natural remedies, massage, and other traditional health practices, alongside makers of locally produced wellness goods.
The move reflects a growing interest in the island's traditional knowledge and natural products, and it fits the wider purpose of Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl, which celebrates Creole culture, food, craft, and community life. By setting aside a distinct area for wellness, organisers aim to give practitioners a visible and respected place within the festival, rather than treating their work as a side attraction.
For local producers, the wellness space offers a chance to reach visitors who might not otherwise encounter their products, and to explain the uses and origins of what they make. It also creates an opportunity for practitioners to exchange knowledge with one another and with the public, strengthening the networks that support small-scale, home-grown enterprise.
The announcement came at the official launch of this year's Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl, where organisers set out their plans for the fifth edition. Further details of the programme, including the full list of participants in the wellness space, are expected to be released as the event approaches.
Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl has become a fixture on Dominica's cultural calendar, drawing residents and visitors to a setting that highlights kweyol heritage, local cuisine, music, and craft. The addition of a wellness component broadens that offering and speaks to the value placed on the island's natural environment and the knowledge held by its people.
Organisers say the new feature is intended to showcase what is made and practised in Dominica, and to encourage support for the practitioners and small businesses involved. More information on how local wellness practitioners and producers can take part is expected to be shared in the coming weeks.
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