Santo Domingo: carnevale dominicano

How important the origins and history of the unity of this people are is well known, which is why after the dances, parades, masks, and music, the Dominican Carnival naturally culminates in events to commemorate the independence of the Dominican Republic.
The carnival is an event that requires hard work but always in the spirit of joy and vitality, starting from Santo Domingo, to San Cristobal, Samaná, La Vega: practically in every city there is a celebration that, from Sunday to Sunday, warms the hearts of Dominicans throughout the month of February. Legend has it that the Dominican Carnival is the oldest in history worldwide: the first edition appears to date back to 1520 and, since then, it has been characterized by the creation of the two main masks: the diablo cojuelo and the Robalagallina.
The diablo cojuelo (that is, the lame devil) roams the streets with his vejiga, an inflated cow bladder tied to a string, with which he mercilessly hits passersby. His mask with long horns, halfway between frightening and burlesque, is a clear echo of the distant medieval tradition that represented the Evil in a grotesque way to exorcise fear.
The origin of the Robalagallina, on the other hand, is more recent, dating back to the first decades of the nineteenth century. Born in La Vega from the fact that a soldier, as punishment for having stolen a hen, was covered in feathers and symbolically beaten, this mask has become an increasingly elaborate costume but has kept its playful spirit, so much so that it is followed in the streets by groups of boys shouting: “Roba la gallina! Palo con el!” (= “Steal the hen! Beat him!”), in memory of the event that is said to be the origin of the mask.
Also for this reason, the most famous Dominican carnival is undoubtedly that of La Vega, an event so important for participation and economic impact that it was proclaimed a national folkloric heritage by the Dominican Parliament. But throughout the country, the Carnival is a very heartfelt event: there are as many as 13 official Carnivals, each with its characteristics and it is truly impossible to remain indifferent to this playful festival marked by joy. Adults and children get involved and carried away in this whirlwind of events where art, culture, religion, and popular traditions mix creating an absolutely unique atmosphere in which every Dominican recognizes their origins and rediscovers the sense of belonging to their people. The concluding parade of the Carnival takes place on the last Sunday of February, when by convention the national independence is remembered, whose official celebration date is set for February 27, 1863. For this great and important event all city delegations and many people from the cities with official Carnivals arrive in Santo Domingo. One big party halfway between the most playful and indulgent tradition and the historical memory.