vergrössern

vergrössern

It's difficult to imagine in the Caribbean, a Carnival with much life, rhythm and so much color as that of the Dominican Republic. Its major intensity and apogee take place at the end of the month of February, especially during the last week of this month and even in the first week of March. It is well-known that Carnivals have a Christian meaning, totally linked to the Holy Week and represents the abstinence of carnal pleasure. But Carnivals go even further. The habit of wearing masks and costumes is so old as man, and has a magic sense in its origin.

Devils, Demons and Other Characters

Colorful characters and costumes are hanging around Santo Domingo streets and the main towns of the island during Carnival, impregnating everything with magic and color. But undoubtedly the devils are the characters that play a major role, being admired until ecstasy by tourists and locals for their superb acrobatics and juggling. Roba la Gallina (Steal the Hen) is another character seen in the Dominican Carnival that has reminiscences of the past when someone was taken stealing hens, tar was rubbed on his skin, decorated with feathers, being exposed to the whole town that way. Other Carnival characters from the Dominican Republic are Se me muere Rebeca (Rebeca is Dying), Califé, or Nicolás Den Den that make of the Dominican Republic's Carnival a explosion of a multicolor fiesta, captivating adults and children.

The Regions in Fancy Dresses

Carnivals in the Dominican island have been described by many as the best and more attractive of the whole Caribbean area. It is true that the celebrations held in Santiago and La Vega are the most important ones regarding tradition and popularity. Santo Domingo's Carnival is the center of the official activities. The sites around which all the true popular celebrations take place are El Conde road, Enriquillo Park, George Washington Avenue and, especially, the private clubs.

Some of these Carnival characters are also common in other parts of the country, some exclusive types are likewise developed in Cotuí, being the most moving and attractive, those held in Los Platanuses. Los Toros (The Bulls) are the most typical characters of Montecristi Carnivals since they wear mask resembling a pork head and wearing bright and colorful costumes.

Like in Santo Domingo city, in Santiago de los Caballeros, Carnival was originally divided taking into consideration, the stratification of the existing social classes with expressions in private clubs on the part of powerful sectors and on the streets of the popular quarters, particularly in La Joya and Los Pepines, from where Lechones and Pepines will emerge.