It’s a once a year, once in a lifetime event and if you are in Santo Domingo, in February, you are the invited guest. It’s the DR’s biggest street party, with communities throughout the island celebrating their own special version of carnival. |
For those who aren’t in the know, Carnival is the yearly celebration that occurs before Lent, and is closely tied to Catholicism. For many Dominicans, Carnival is a joyous time with families and communities coming together to en- joy the colors and cultures of the DR.
Some of the better-known Carnivals include that of La Vega and San Francisco de Macorís. Smaller and more intimate carnivals occur in other communities, but the carnival to watch out for is the Car- naval Nacional, held on Santo Domingo’s Malecón, on the first Sunday in March.
Comparsas, or dance troops, from around the country and the city, join together for an all day event, beginning early in the afternoon and going on into the night. |
As many as 150 comparsas parade down Santo Domingo’s Malecón, celebrating Dominican culture and heritage, and giving on- lookers a taste of what a real party looks like.
