Carnival is one of the most important festivities in Dominican popular culture. It is a celebration of fun, freedom, integration and identity. The elaborate masks – wildly exaggerated, sarcastic, bold, satirical and grotesque - all that is imaginary and other- worldly form a fundamental part of the Carnival in the Dominican Republic.

The Culture of the Colonizer

Carnival festivities came to this country along with Spanish culture. Historical documents show that carnival was celebrated in Santo Domingo prior to 1520 for various reasons. Pre-Lenten carnival ended on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday for celebrations in the towns of San Andrés, San Juan Bautista, Corpus Cristi and the anniversary the Santo Domingo, among others.

National Independence: February 27

The celebration of national independence is included in carnival festivals which are repeated annually every February 27, thus institutionalizing the party as an expression of patriotism. In addition to this, it is also a reminiscence of the carnivals celebrated in honor of the patron saint celebrations in Azua, the commemoration of the Restoration of the Republic, the anniversary of the founding of Santo Domingo and the parties held during Holy Week in the rural communities of Elías Piña, San Juan de la Maguana, La Joya de Guerra, Cabral and Barahona.