La Vega

Since the 16th Century, every Sunday in February the Limping Devils came to town wielding their cow liver whips and chased people around, smacking them.



The competition, which unites and fuels all carnival participants, is really the strongest among the people of La Vega who live inside or outside the province. To be chosen as the most spectacular or creative troupe has become a battle of the minds driven by inspiration and imagination as its most vital weapon.
The center of activities is the capital of the province. It is here the devils either whip the passersby on the street who taunt them or choose to stay in the parade line along with the other 80 troupes.

Since its origins, the carnival of La Vega has showcased masks of the smiling devil, frightened or angry with his bright red and black colors.
There are no exact dates on when the masks began to be made and used but they have, over time, become artistic symbols of these festivals. Currently, carnival troupes often ask for their masks to represent Disney characters or Hollywood personalities. Nevertheless, stunning characters every year attract hundreds of thousands of people. This is one of the reason why this colorful and artistic tradition has lasted so many years.