Dominica, like many Caribbean islands, hosts several festivals throughout the year, many of which are attractive to tourists.  And as with many islands, Dominica celebrates Carnival , one of the year's largest festivals.  Carnival, also celebrated in Trinidad, Rio de Janeiro, St. Thomas and New Orleans, where it is known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, celebrates life's pleasures on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the day marking the beginning of the Roman Catholic period of Lent, a time of restriction and self-denial.  In Dominica the Carnival celebration begins a few weeks before Fat Tuesday with several events including a Calypso music festival, parades, dances, and beauty contests.  See the Carnival website for a full schedule of events with prices and ticket information.  (Note that if you would like to visit Dominica during Carnival it is a good idea to make hotel and car hire reservations well in advance as it is a popular time for visitors to come to the island.)