Santo Domingo: Dominican Carnival

The origins and history of the Dominican people’s unity are well known, which is why after the dances, parades, masks, and music, the Dominican Carnival naturally leads to celebrations commemorating the independence of the Dominican Republic.
The carnival is an event that requires hard work, yet it’s always brimming with joy and vitality—beginning in Santo Domingo and spreading to San Cristobal, Samaná, and La Vega. Practically every city holds a celebration that, Sunday after Sunday, warms the hearts of Dominicans throughout February. Legend has it that the Dominican Carnival is the oldest in the world: the first edition dates all the way back to 1520, and since then, it’s been defined by two iconic masks: the diablo cojuelo and the Robalagallina.
The diablo cojuelo (literally the lame devil) roams the streets with his vejiga—a blown-up cow bladder tied to a string—striking passersby mercilessly. His horned mask, a mix of frightening and comical, echoes a centuries-old medieval tradition that depicted the Devil in grotesque ways to make him less intimidating.
The character of the Robalagallina has more recent origins, dating to the early 1800s. Born in La Vega, it comes from a story where a soldier, punished for stealing a chicken, was covered in feathers and playfully beaten. This mask has since evolved into a much more elaborate costume but has maintained its playful spirit. Kids follow him down the streets, shouting: “Roba la gallina! Palo con el!” (“Steal the chicken! Hit him!”)—a tribute to the tale behind the mask.
For these reasons, the most famous Dominican Carnival takes place in La Vega. Its importance, both in participation and economic impact, has led the Dominican Parliament to declare it a national folk heritage. But across the entire country, Carnival is a huge event: there are 13 official Carnivals, each with its own unique traditions, and it’s impossible not to be swept up in the celebration. Both adults and children join the whirlwind of festivities, where art, culture, religion, and folk traditions come together to create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere every Dominican feels connected to. The final Carnival parade is held on the last Sunday in February, coinciding with the commemoration of national independence—officially celebrated on February 27, 1863. For this grand event, delegations from all over gather in Santo Domingo, joined by visitors from the cities hosting the official Carnivals. It’s a huge celebration, blending playful tradition with historic remembrance.