San Cristobal

In a socio-cultural context of strong Spanish, African and Dominican roots, the Carnival of San Cristobal has surged ahead in a most spontaneous fashion.

Following the fall of the Trujillo regime in April 1965, the carnival here went through a deep crisis. It was kept alive by Julio Heredia de los Santos, nicknamed Walter James.

Facing a series of challenges, in February 1980 young theater, musical and vocal groups organized a popular carnival in San Cristobal.

This helped bring back the essential carnival as troupes began to organize: the Limping Devils, the 21 Divisions, The Galleros (street theater), El Caliph (social and cultural poet), the Chicken Thieves represented by a couple and the Death with his cow livers, bells, ribbons, etc.

On February 27, troupes parade through the streets of San Cristobal to the stage in Monumento Piedras Vivas Park in front of the town where the judges watch while they act out the theme of their character. This carnival is known for being the most educational in the entire country.