In Santo Domingo, the focal point of the event is an eclectic Carnival parade down the Malecon featuring the Carnival King who is elected yearly. In the capital city, as in many other urban centers, social clubs hold dances that are often extravaganzas for showing off their costumes. During such events, highly organized dance groups, known as ?comparsas,? present shows based on a particular theme and which not only compete for local prizes but for national ones as they ?battle? against the best from other areas.
An estimated 50,000 people are expected to parade, with up to half a million spectators lined up along the Malecon. The Sunday, 5 March 2006 parade will be televised.
The Ministry of Culture took on the reorganization of the Carnival in 2005. As a result, participation in the Malecon Carnival parade is limited to 150 per province. The winners of the local Carnival events are chosen to represent them in the capital city carnival parade. The registration for carnival is open in the city government halls in the provinces. This year there will be 28 awards categories. See http://www.dr1.com/travelnews/archive/2006/Carnival.shtml for more on Carnival celebrations nationwide.