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Dominican Carnival
The Carnival is the most traditional popular festivity of the Dominican Republic. It goes back to the colony, on the eve of lent, when people in Santo domingo disguised themselves to imitate the European Shrovetide.
If "people began to wear masks in Santo Domingo" as of the 16th century, the truth is that this colonial tradition increased with the heroic deeds of the republicans on February 27, 1844 and August 16, 1865, to such an extent that almost since then these are the official dates of celebration of our carnivals, regardless of the fact that they may fall or not on shrovetide. The first date at least normally falls on lent. It is known that the carnival is celebrated before lent, which is a time of penance and preparation for Christ´s passion.
It seems that the origin of the word "carnival" comes from the Italian words carne vale, which mean a removing of meat, as a proof of the sensual licences given to the faithful during shrovetide. Then over time a close relationship between Christendom and the heathen festivities developed, and these festivities were assimilated by Christendom.
In our country, for example, Santiago´s "lechones" appeared after the Restoration of the Republic, aided by the costume parties given in Madame Garcia´s big rambling house.
CARNIVAL!.... A RITUAL OF RYTHM AND COLOR
Intense colors, music, religion; all expressions of the joy and warmth of being a Dominican: it’s Carnival! The Dominican carnival is the most authentic expression of our culture and is an explosion of sound and color which manifests itself on different dates and in different ways as a result of the cultural syncretism whose product it is. Originally of European origin, the custom of carnival was a religious celebration on the date of Corpus Christi. However it eventually evolved into a pagan celebration usually celebrated on the 27th of February, Dominican Independence Day. Original masks, costumes, floats and masqueraded dance groups from different regions of the country come together to celebrate. In some towns the masqueraded dance groups parade the streets each Sunday of February while in other towns carnival traditions differ completely as to format and dates. For example in Santiago costumes represent the diablos cojuelos (devils) with galactic designs: in Cotui costumes are of platanuses and papeluses; in Monte Cristi it is torros (bulls) and Cabral is famous for its cachuas y civiles. The most popular of all is in La Vega where thousands of people go every Sunday of February. The Bonao carnival on the same date is also popular. No matter from which region or which form it takes, Dominican carnival is always a grand collage of color, music, frenetic and exciting dances, different masks impressively decorated, a fusion of culture and religion and the inner joy of the Dominican.
Carnival´s Colorful Figures
The "Diablos Cojuelos" (devils) are the central characters in local carnival. They are known by the names of "Lechones" in Santiago, "Cachúas" in Cabral, "Toros" in Montecristi, "Papeluses" in Cotuí, "Guloyas" in San Pedro de Macorís, "Plantain leaves´devils" in Barahona, "Maimantas" in Hato Mayor, and "Máscaros" in Bonao.
The Diablos Cojuelos come out into the streets on the weekends of February, month of the Dominican independence. Their costumes are ornated with a number of decorative elements: small round and square mirrors, small bells, cowbells, ribbons, whistles, tiny dolls, etc
.
La Vega´s Diablos
One of the oldest traditional carnivals is that of La Vega. During this celebration a wide range of finely elaborated masks and diablo costumes are displayed.
Cabral´s Cachúas
This carnival is celebrated during the three days subsequent to Good Friday. This is a real party of devils, known by the name of "Cachúas" (cacho: horn), clearly alluding to the horns on the masks
Montecristi´s Toros (bulls) and Civiles (civvies)
Each sunday of february, Montecristy´s streets are the setting for tough and violent fights between toros and civiles with the use of whips. Undisguised and unprotected, the toros take on the civvies´challenge and punish themselves by voluntarily accepting the furious whiplashes inflicted on them by the toros.
The origin of this rivalry dates back to the first decade of our century.
Cotui´s Papeluses
In cotui, the diablos come out into the streets on Ash Wednesday, and also on February 27 and August 16, Independence Day and Restoration Day, respectively. They are so named because they put paper clothes on.
The Death
This universal figure wears the classical skeleton and skull attire, always seeking to frighten others. Holding a scythe, The Death grabs children by their feet so that they can be hit by the Diablos with their air-filled bladders. This figure is popularly known as "La Muerte en Yipe" (The Death Driving a Jeep).
Roba la Gallina
Jose del Castillo and Manuel Garcia Arevalo say: The transvestite Roba la Gallina is the most widespread character in the Dominican carnival. He has always had a presence throughout the national territory. This persona asks storekeepers for "contributions", this word meaning groceries, rum, or money, and shares the edible items with his followers, usually children.
The Indians
The most representative characterization in the Domincan carnival is that performed by groups of individuals dressed up as indians. They stage historic dramas, based on some episodes involving the Conquistadores. One of the most popular dramas is the capture of Cacique Caonabo by Alonso de Ojeda. Another one is about Enriquillo. Other street performances portray tainos´daily life episodes, such as Areitos, ball games, and religious rites. Also, details of household life, such as the making of cassava, etc.
Africans or "Tiznaos"
This is a typical carnival group. These groups show the African origins of the Dominican people. They blacken their bodies with soot from smashed moistened charcoal, and then anoint themselves with burned engine oil in order to make their skin look glossy.
Calife
According to Dagoberto Tejada, <>, because his poignant statements are meant to challenge the status quo.
The Carnival is the most traditional popular festivity of the Dominican Republic. It goes back to the colony, on the eve of lent, when people in Santo domingo disguised themselves to imitate the European Shrovetide.
If "people began to wear masks in Santo Domingo" as of the 16th century, the truth is that this colonial tradition increased with the heroic deeds of the republicans on February 27, 1844 and August 16, 1865, to such an extent that almost since then these are the official dates of celebration of our carnivals, regardless of the fact that they may fall or not on shrovetide. The first date at least normally falls on lent. It is known that the carnival is celebrated before lent, which is a time of penance and preparation for Christ´s passion.
It seems that the origin of the word "carnival" comes from the Italian words carne vale, which mean a removing of meat, as a proof of the sensual licences given to the faithful during shrovetide. Then over time a close relationship between Christendom and the heathen festivities developed, and these festivities were assimilated by Christendom.
In our country, for example, Santiago´s "lechones" appeared after the Restoration of the Republic, aided by the costume parties given in Madame Garcia´s big rambling house.
CARNIVAL!.... A RITUAL OF RYTHM AND COLOR
Intense colors, music, religion; all expressions of the joy and warmth of being a Dominican: it’s Carnival! The Dominican carnival is the most authentic expression of our culture and is an explosion of sound and color which manifests itself on different dates and in different ways as a result of the cultural syncretism whose product it is. Originally of European origin, the custom of carnival was a religious celebration on the date of Corpus Christi. However it eventually evolved into a pagan celebration usually celebrated on the 27th of February, Dominican Independence Day. Original masks, costumes, floats and masqueraded dance groups from different regions of the country come together to celebrate. In some towns the masqueraded dance groups parade the streets each Sunday of February while in other towns carnival traditions differ completely as to format and dates. For example in Santiago costumes represent the diablos cojuelos (devils) with galactic designs: in Cotui costumes are of platanuses and papeluses; in Monte Cristi it is torros (bulls) and Cabral is famous for its cachuas y civiles. The most popular of all is in La Vega where thousands of people go every Sunday of February. The Bonao carnival on the same date is also popular. No matter from which region or which form it takes, Dominican carnival is always a grand collage of color, music, frenetic and exciting dances, different masks impressively decorated, a fusion of culture and religion and the inner joy of the Dominican.
Carnival´s Colorful Figures
The "Diablos Cojuelos" (devils) are the central characters in local carnival. They are known by the names of "Lechones" in Santiago, "Cachúas" in Cabral, "Toros" in Montecristi, "Papeluses" in Cotuí, "Guloyas" in San Pedro de Macorís, "Plantain leaves´devils" in Barahona, "Maimantas" in Hato Mayor, and "Máscaros" in Bonao.
The Diablos Cojuelos come out into the streets on the weekends of February, month of the Dominican independence. Their costumes are ornated with a number of decorative elements: small round and square mirrors, small bells, cowbells, ribbons, whistles, tiny dolls, etc
.
La Vega´s Diablos
One of the oldest traditional carnivals is that of La Vega. During this celebration a wide range of finely elaborated masks and diablo costumes are displayed.
Cabral´s Cachúas
This carnival is celebrated during the three days subsequent to Good Friday. This is a real party of devils, known by the name of "Cachúas" (cacho: horn), clearly alluding to the horns on the masks
Montecristi´s Toros (bulls) and Civiles (civvies)
Each sunday of february, Montecristy´s streets are the setting for tough and violent fights between toros and civiles with the use of whips. Undisguised and unprotected, the toros take on the civvies´challenge and punish themselves by voluntarily accepting the furious whiplashes inflicted on them by the toros.
The origin of this rivalry dates back to the first decade of our century.
Cotui´s Papeluses
In cotui, the diablos come out into the streets on Ash Wednesday, and also on February 27 and August 16, Independence Day and Restoration Day, respectively. They are so named because they put paper clothes on.
The Death
This universal figure wears the classical skeleton and skull attire, always seeking to frighten others. Holding a scythe, The Death grabs children by their feet so that they can be hit by the Diablos with their air-filled bladders. This figure is popularly known as "La Muerte en Yipe" (The Death Driving a Jeep).
Roba la Gallina
Jose del Castillo and Manuel Garcia Arevalo say: The transvestite Roba la Gallina is the most widespread character in the Dominican carnival. He has always had a presence throughout the national territory. This persona asks storekeepers for "contributions", this word meaning groceries, rum, or money, and shares the edible items with his followers, usually children.
The Indians
The most representative characterization in the Domincan carnival is that performed by groups of individuals dressed up as indians. They stage historic dramas, based on some episodes involving the Conquistadores. One of the most popular dramas is the capture of Cacique Caonabo by Alonso de Ojeda. Another one is about Enriquillo. Other street performances portray tainos´daily life episodes, such as Areitos, ball games, and religious rites. Also, details of household life, such as the making of cassava, etc.
Africans or "Tiznaos"
This is a typical carnival group. These groups show the African origins of the Dominican people. They blacken their bodies with soot from smashed moistened charcoal, and then anoint themselves with burned engine oil in order to make their skin look glossy.
Calife
According to Dagoberto Tejada, <
