INTRODUCTION
The Dominican Carnival (Carnaval Dominicano) is an ode to the nation’s freedom. The celebration takes place every Sunday of February and at times in March during the Holy Week. Dominican people of all ages and regions, along with their loved ones and families, gather in the main streets of the city to cherish the colourful and lively parades.
All the people, tropes from the various cities, villages and regions participate in the city’s oldest and most glorious tradition, with costumes and masks of different characters from their folklore, along with dances, music and art.
HISTORY
The history traces back to the Carnival around the 1500s, the Spanish colonial period. Some research shows that settlers during the visit of Fray Bartolomé de las Casas celebrated the Carnival dressing up as Christians and Moors.
For 22 years, Haiti took control of the Dominican Republic due to their cultural and ethnic indifferences and, most importantly, their share of the island called Hispaniola. They forbade them from wearing masks and costumes during the holy celebrations and tried to expunge the customs and language of the nation.
Later, on the 27th of February 1844, Dominicans gained independence from the Haitian autonomy and the people took back to streets with great festivity in costumes, masks, and traditional outfits and thus, the month of February and initial days of March became Carnival time, co-existing with the independence day.
LA VEGA CARNIVAL
Among all the carnivals held on the island, LA VEGA Carnival is among the most awaited one’s. It is believed to be the oldest carnival celebration full of grandeur. The festivities include people with flamboyant costumes and traditional music which symbolizes Dominican cultural and religious heritage such as Diablo Cojuelo, Guloya, La Gallina, and the Calife.
La vega is also known for the caves which are believed to be the ones from where Diablo Cojuelos would arrive.
SANTO DOMINGO CARNIVAL
The capital hosts the Carnival with the National Independence Day parade on the 27th of February. The most festive day for the natives is exhibited by a huge military parade and valour display of the Dominican army, air force, and navy.
The day prior, the 26th of Feb is celebrated with the same enthusiasm as the birthday of their founding father, Pablo Duarte. The most amazing costumes and groups are awarded by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
Santiago, Montecristi, Río San Juan, Barahona, and Puerto Plata are some of the cities with distinct and amazing Carnival hosting cities.
CELEBRATION. SYMBOLS. CHARACTERS
The most amazing and distinctive thing about the Carnival is the impact of different cultures on its evolution. The celebration is a blend of cultures from European, African and Spanish countries depicted in vibrant costumes of different characters with significant virtues of the folktales.
There are many characters and distinct versions of them throughout the country, the most prominent character Diablo Cojuelo (the limping devil) comes from a Spanish tale, the character can usually be seen with a satanic costume, a horned mask, a cowbell, and flailing a whip as he walks on the street. According to the believers, this flogging brings positive energies.
Diablo Cojuelo has a different version in Santiago called Lechones. This version wears a pig-faced mask, a slender snout, and extensive horns. The costume worn by the character can be easily identified by the tail and bells which swaddles around the costume.
Another eminent character is Roba la Gallina (the chicken thief). This satirical dramatic persona depicts the people who used to sneak chickens all around. Usually, a man dresses up in flamboyant costumes and a large glitter purse with embellished breasts and hips like a woman. The purse is meant to be the carrier where the character hides the chicken, but nowadays they come up with chocolates and candies in them.
Conclusion
Like all festivals, the Dominican Republic Carnival is a celebration of harmony, brotherhood, and joy. A vibrant display of deep-rooted tradition and cultural depth, the Carnival is a true representation of the Caribbean spirit and an expression of their identity.
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