WATO Dominica

For many, food is more than nourishment—it’s a story. It tells tales of ancestry, shared traditions, and the evolution of flavors that bind communities together. Culture is the heartbeat of a people, expressed through music, art, language, and the simple joys of daily life. WATO is where food, culture, and history converge in a vivid celebration of the Caribbean's soul.

A melting pot of flavors, rhythms, and shared experiences, WATO invites you to immerse yourself in the richness of Caribbean heritage. It’s a space where the ancient meets the modern, where culinary traditions are honored and reimagined, and where music and food blend into one unforgettable experience.



WATO, meaning "fire" in the Kalinago language, encapsulates the spirit of this festival. Fire is essential to cooking, warmth, and community—just as WATO ignites the passion for celebrating Caribbean cuisine and culture. Hosted at the serene and picturesque Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa in Dominica, WATO is unlike any other culinary event in the region.

The festival was created and developed by Dominica’s own Chef Nyanda Charles Peltier, Consultant Executive Chef at Rosalie Bay Eco Resort. Hailing from the close-knit fishing village of Pointe Mitchel, Chef Nyanda’s roots are deeply tied to the sea and the traditions of her community. An artist both in and out of the kitchen, she is a true visionary who sees food as a medium to tell stories, evoke emotions, and connect people.

Chef Nyanda’s passion for her craft extends beyond cooking; it’s a reflection of her culture and heritage. With a profound love for her country and her craft, she sought a way to showcase Dominica’s beauty and rich traditions through her talents. WATO was her answer. It embodies her signature culinary style, Rustic Gourmet, which celebrates bold, authentic Caribbean flavors elevated to gourmet artistry.

Rosalie Bay, with its unique location where the river meets the ocean, is the ideal partner for WATO. Its natural beauty mirrors the festival’s essence: a convergence of elements. Here, guests partake in outdoor cooking experiences inspired by the Kalinago people and local communities, where meals are prepared over open flames or in clay pots, just as they were for generations.

This year’s theme, Bouyon Love, brilliantly married two quintessential elements of Caribbean culture. Bouyon, Dominica’s signature music genre, and the French word bouillon, meaning soup, came together in a dynamic celebration of flavor and rhythm. The festival was alive with Bouyon music, uniting the kitchen and dance floor in a way that only the Caribbean can.

WATO brought together an extraordinary lineup of chefs from across the Caribbean: MasterChef Nina Compton from St. Lucia, Damien Reid from Barbados, Kenila Hyman from St. Martin, Rawlston Williams from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Haleem Card from Jamaica, Kevin Nelson from Dominica, and Christelle Gorbadham from Martinique. Each chef infused the festival with unique flavors and styles, honoring traditions while pushing culinary boundaries. Adding to the magic, Bouyon bands like Triple Kay International and First Serenade showcased their talents both on stage and in the kitchen, blending musical and culinary artistry in a way that left attendees in awe.

WATO aligns seamlessly with Rosalie Bay’s Eat Well program, which emphasizes healthy, locally sourced Caribbean ingredients. This partnership not only highlights exceptional food but also showcases a way of life that celebrates the natural bounty of the Caribbean. From its inception, Rosalie Bay has been a proud partner, providing its stunning location and unwavering support to this unique culinary event.

WATO is more than a festival; it’s a movement that unites the Caribbean through fire, flavor, and shared experiences. Chefs become storytellers, musicians become chefs, and everyone comes together to weave a vibrant cultural tapestry. WATO celebrates the Bouyon Love that connects the Caribbean people, reminding us of our shared heritage and the joy of community.

The journey of WATO is just beginning, and the future holds endless possibilities. Whether you’re a sponsor, vendor, chef, influencer, or spectator, WATO invites you to join this cultural phenomenon.

So, what is WATO to you? It’s a celebration. It’s a cultural awakening. It’s a reminder of how the Caribbean, in all its diversity, is truly a bouyon of culture. Don’t miss your chance to experience this culinary masterpiece. Be there. Celebrate the fire. Celebrate the love.

Written by: Marisa Sabaroche-Jules