Carnival in the Dominican Republic

The Uruguayan writer Jose Cantero says that when the carnival is unleashed the jubilation runs around the open air and the feeling, with his charm, gives free rein to the festivities.

This describes what happens in the Dominican carnival, the most popular and most traditional festival in the Dominican Republic, dating back to the time of the Spanish colony when on the eve of Christian Lent, the inhabitants of Santo Domingo dressed up themselves as Reflecting the European carnage, that is, three days before Ash Wednesday.

In the country, the official start of the carnival begins the last weekend of January in La Vega, although if this celebration as a national holiday is intermingled with the commemoration of the National Independence.
 A syncretism between the official and the popular that symbolizes the fervor of the streets to the rhythm of troupes and dancers; costumes and masks; the cojuelo devils; indios and parades where children and elders exalt patriotism and tradition.

The costumes of this party have in particular a collusion of African traditions brought by the slaves who arrived in the New World with their own customs and European clothing
 of their owners and colonizers of the time. In fact, devils in their coats, their robes covered with mirrors, bells, and cowbells, to mock the Europeans. The figures of the platanuses in Cotuí have a similar symbolism.

Santo Domingo

In the First city of America, the carnival begins with the coronation of the king Califè, a personage dressed with a black tail bag. The main area of celebration Is the wide avenue of George Washington. The parade is held on the last Sunday in February, regardless of Lent.

Santiago

From the neighborhoods like La Joya and the Pepines arises the Piglets and Pepines that, dressed up in colorful costumes, perform staging where they attack mutually.

This year the carnival will include a contest of typical carnival music in order to promote the musical culture among the different audiences that will be present at this celebration.

The parade of Santiago will take place all the Sundays of February in the monumental area.

La Vega

The Vegan Carnival is definitely one of the greatest representations of Dominican culture, a melting pot, color, emotions, traditions and nice people. All these, elements that are conjugated in a way that you enjoy the parties in their maximum expression. And it is in February, when the city of La Vega, takes over like no one of all that joy that characterizes Dominicans, undoubtedly the best time of the year to know the so renowned valley.
It can be said with propriety that Vegan Carnival is the brand that represents the city of La Vega and the Dominican carnival brand internationally, as it plays a relevant role in the perception of the Dominican Republic for global tourism.

The vegan carnival is visited by thousands of Dominicans and foreigners. The Devils Cojuelos are the highest expression of medieval theater.
 Devils are displayed on the streets carrying bladders and beating everyone who stumbles but respecting those who stay away. so if you don’t want to be bitten stay in the #ZonaLibreVejigazos.

The center of the activity is Street Padre Adolfo, passing through the Parque de las Flores. The Vegan Carnival was declared a Folkloric Heritage of the Nation. It is held every Sunday of February.

Bonao

Its name honors an indigenous chief of the region. The carnival groups Charamicos, The Thunders, The Deformities, The Six, are the most important in these popular festivities.It is held every Sunday of February.

Montecristi

In the carnival, Los Toros forms the main character, which is dramatized by its conflicts whipping with the Civilians. The first one carries a piglet mask and wears colorful coated costumes made by a special material to protect against the scourges of his opponents. Civilians, on the other hand, should wear shorts and regular clothing. It takes place every Sunday in February.

Cotui

It stands out for the diversity of its personages, the most important is Papelús because it reflects its Carnival identity. Also appears in scene The Platanús, The Bat, The Fundus, The Mid-Day, The Snake and the Seven Sins,
 Satan and El Chiquito Afuera and the Big Tapado.It is held every Sunday in February.

Puerto Plata

Its main character is the Taimás Caro, who refers to the Taíno, to the African and to the Spanish. Also known are the characters like Don Jute, Caquito and the Dancing Donkey, El Viejo Comejaiba from Amalio Morrobel, the Red Devil and the Murciélago Tolentino. It is performed from the second Sunday of February.

Rio San Juan

It combines the traditions of a fisher village, with the natural attractions of the Lagoon
 Gri-Gri and the beautiful beaches surrounding the
 zone. It is celebrated under the concept of Carnavarengue on a platform above the middle of the Laguna Gri-Gri that is decorated with elements allusive to the sea and marine fauna.
 It takes place all Sundays of February.

Punta Cana

It is held in Boulevard 1st of November Located in Punta Cana Village from 4 pm with the appearance of the Muses of the Coral and international troups of Aruba, Curacao, Haiti, Puerto Rico and a selection off the bests of Dominican Republic. It takes place on Sunday, March 4.

As you can see, during February, the Dominican Republic is full of events about tradition, culture, and fun! You have a lot of possibilities to choose from as the Carnival is celebrated in several places of the country!

Do not hesitate to contact us for any other information and details!
 Book your holidays now, you are still in time to get the best vacation ever; sun, sea, adventure, tradition and the second biggest Carnival of America after Rio de Janeiro!