San Pedro de Macorís

Located in the southeast of the Dominican capital, residents of this province are Afro-Americans brought to the Americas as slaves by the British. They are known as “Guyolas.” This historical fact is one of the most essential in their cultural make-up. Known for their teeming energy and talent for dancing and music, they are seen as the people who best express the joy and festive spirit of carnival among all the country’s groups.

Their costumes dangling with tiny mirrors, feathers and dazzling colors move to the deep rhythms of the drums and express their dreams and nostalgia as well as happiness, satire and rebellion. These dancers symbolize one of the most popular cultural expressions in the country. And it is not only during carnival that they express this. At most all parties, the Guyolas are the guests of honor.

Their own homes, streets and neighborhoods provide a natural stage. Their dances include Momise, Guloya, The Oxen, The Stilts and others.

They local guyola dance always carries an educational message with profound social content. Good always triumphs over evil, the weak over the oppressor and women are respected and protected, although they do not participate in the dances.

One of these dances is the “Momees “ known also by the people as simply the Guyolas dance. The dance originates from an English drama called Mummers and is similar to the original with some modifications. Three very different versions have been composed and include a wild dance that takes place along the streets; the dance for the father of winter that represents the struggle of St. George and the dragon and the dance of the “codril” in which two lines of dancers link arms and move back and forth changing places.

Like their African ancestors who venerated their gods in ceremonial rituals in the evenings, the Guloyas, after a hard day’s work, give themselves over to their erotic and sensual dance.