Bringing your attention to the famous and spectacular Carnival Dominicana, a party festival of flamboyant costumes, head dress, masks and accessories, that are colorful and striking in nature. The costumes are eccentric, made of paper mache, feathers, newspaper, banana leaves, most recyclable products to the more modern usage of grander materials for distinction. The crowd pleasing excitement extends to music, drums, chanting and singing that brings forth an interactive parade where dancing with the characters is a must do.
The history behind this dates back to the independence of the Dominican Republic in 1520, Colonial time. A suspension of the carnival took place until 1844, after which the carnival became a festival and is celebrated every year since. The costumes and meaning is influenced by many cultures and nationalities throughout the island and down through the centuries, which all combined in an embodiment of magnificent display.
The Carnival takes place in February and continues until the 2nd week of March, ending in San Felipe, Puerto Plata. Every Sunday during February each town organizes their parade, the most famous is in La Vega and the capital of Santa Domingo. The biggest celebration is held on February 27th, which is also the Dominican Republics’ Independence Day.
The parades extends to the principal cities in carnival tradition – including La Vega, Santiago, Puerto Plata, Santo Domingo, Punta Cana and LaRomana. The beach towns of Cabarete and Sosua participate in this grand celebration, where the actors display their costumes for tourists up and down the beach areas. This has become a very popular event for thousands of locals as well as international tourists.
La Vega Carnival is the country’s most renowned, presenting a fiesta comparable to the best carnivals in the world. The Ministry of Tourism awards for best costume and groups, and is divided into categories of achievement.
This is one event that you won’t want to miss out on experiencing.
