Dominican Carnival is the most vibrant celebration of Dominican culture and identity. It’s a time when Dominicans of all ages and from all regions take to the streets, to enjoy parades with their families and loved ones.
Every Sunday during the month of February, colorful parades take place in every major city and region around the DR. La Vega Carnival is the oldest, largest, and most popular of all.
Other cities hosting unique parades include Santo Domingo, Montecristi, Bonao, Puerto Plata, Río San Juan, and Barahona. Costumes, masks, and mystical characters are distinct to each area and reveal Dominican folkloric traditions and beliefs, as diverse as the country’s population.
The season usually launches with a vibrant indoor carnival gala show held in Santiago and culminates with Independence Day celebrations on February 27. The most colorful event of all is the final National Carnival Parade–held the first Sunday of March in the capital of Santo Domingo.
