When he hit the earth he hurt his leg, causing him to limp. A tale on the island says that this devil was banished to earth because of his childish pranks. Diablo Cojuelo (Limping Devil): is the main character of the carnival.While there are many characters in the various versions of the carnival across the island, there are several prominent ones featured in most celebrations: Revelers flee from the "Diablos Cojuelos" who try to hit them with "Vejigas".Ĭharacters Dominican Republic carnival mask and costume of the diablo cojuelo. It exhibits the "Guloyas" parade of costumed groups dancing in the streets. One of the most international parades is in San Pedro de Macorís. Additional allegorical characters represent Dominican traditions such as "Roba la Gallina" and "Califé". They dance, and run to the rhythm of merengue music mixed with other Latin and Caribbean rhythms. Symbols Ĭarnival masks are elaborate and the costumes used on the parades are satires of the Devil and are called "Diablos Cojuelos". Then on February 27, 1844, when the Dominican Republic won its independence from Haiti, the celebration grew even greater in popularity, as the country's Independence Day celebrations were combined into the pre-existing carnival celebrations. By the late 1700s, the carnival had become a major celebration in the colony. The celebration became a way to escape from the rigid religious traditions brought from the old world. Though it is not known for certain, it is thought that the colony of Santo Domingo was the first place in the Americas to have a pre-Lenten costume. The celebration originally consisted of the residents of the island dressing themselves as Moors and Christians. Įvidence has been found in the ruins of La Vega Vieja (near the present day La Vega) showing that Carnival has been celebrated in the Dominican Republic since 1510. The Spanish conquistadors who settled on the island brought the Carnival culture from Europe, though the Roman Catholic authorities of the time considered this to be a Pagan celebration, and therefore mixed Christian traditions into it and began to celebrate the event as well. Traditional parades are held every Sunday throughout the month of independence in the Dominican Republic. With National Independence Day on 27 February and the birthday of Juan Pablo Duarte, its founding father, on 26 January, the Carnival celebrations fill February regardless of the Lenten calendar. The timing of the festivals has grown apart from its original religious synchronization with the period of Lent. Festivities take place all over the island, with each town adding its own twist to the celebration. Festivities often include the wearing of colorful costumes that symbolize Dominican religious and traditional characters such as Calife, Guloya, and Diablo Cojuelo. In Santo Domingo, celebrations include a large military display with the Dominican air force, navy, and army. ĭominicans are usually most festive on February 27, which is the Dominican Independence Day. The one held in La Vega, which is one of the biggest in the country, and the national parade in Santo Domingo, were the first Carnivals held in the Americas. Among its main characteristics are its flashy costumes and loud music. The carnival season in the Dominican Republic kicks off with a carnival gala held indoors in Santiago de los Caballeros, as opposed to every other carnival event held outdoors throughout the month of February. Dominican Carnival is celebrated in most cities and towns in the main streets. The Carnival in the Dominican Republic is a Dominican celebration that takes place throughout February, and sometimes during Holy Week in March.
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