Carnival & Festivals

Carnival (February–March)

The Dominican Carnival takes place every Sunday in February, culminating on February 27 (Independence Day) and the first Sunday in March. Each city has its own tradition:

• La Vega: The most spectacular carnival — thousands of Diablos Cojuelos (limping devils) in elaborate costumes adorned with mirrors and rhinestones parade through the streets, hitting spectators with inflated pig bladders (yes, really!). The masks can cost up to $2,000 and take months to make
• Santo Domingo: Large parade on the Malecón with floats, Merengue bands, and political satire
• Santiago: The Lechones (spotted pig figures) with their colorful costumes and mirrors are the local tradition
• Monte Cristi: The Toros y Civiles — a symbolic battle between bulls (with horned masks) and civilians

The Dominican Carnival is less known than the Brazilian or Trinidadian but just as colorful, loud, and wild. And much more authentic — here, locals dance for themselves, not for tourists.

Other Festivals

• Festival del Merengue y Ritmos Caribeños (July, Santo Domingo) — A week of live music on the Malecón: Merengue, Salsa, Bachata. Free, huge, and sweaty
• Festival de Bachata (September, Santo Domingo) — Bachata concerts, dance competitions, and workshops
• Puerto Plata Jazz Festival (November) — Jazz, Latin Jazz, and Fusion in the historic Fortaleza San Felipe
• Fiestas Patronales: Every town celebrates its patron saint with a multi-day party: fair, Merengue bands, food, gambling, domino tournaments. The best: Higüey (January 21), Santiago (July 25), Baní (June)
• Semana Santa (Holy Week): Half the country heads to the beach — the roads are clogged, the beaches crowded, the mood euphoric. Traditional food: Habichuelas con Dulce — a sweet bean pudding with milk, spices, and cookies. Sounds strange, tastes fantastic