Samaná

Many of the African people brought to the Dominican Republic as slaves by the British settled in the eastern province of Samaná near the Atlantic Ocean. They brought with them their own festivals and celebrations which have contributed the vibrant colors, frightening masks, musical instruments, along with their mix of Spanish and British culinary tastes and effusive expression of religion.

Their most emblematic carnival troupe is called Oli, Oli, Oli. It is a dance done exclusively by men. The men release a fury of movement as they swing their sticks all around and bang them on the ground during the dance. The scenes are dramatic and grow even more intense when the dancers attempt to balance themselves on their sticks. Whoever comes closest to balancing on their stick is lifted up into the air by the other dancers in celebration of his triumph. They continue to sing songs that express their identification and connection with their own community.