With the coming of Lent on 26 February, the provinces of the Cibao Valley are now geared up for their carnival celebrations, a major attraction for local residents and visitors. So much so that even the US Embassy has emitted a set of guidelines for their citizens that want to experience these highly anticipated events.
Carnival began in Bonao and Santiago this Sunday, 2 February. It continues this Friday and Saturday, 7 and 8 February in Punta Cana, but then on Sunday, 9 February around the country. There will be a break for the 16 February municipal election, after which carnival will continue on the next three Sundays.
Each town has a slightly different approach to the Carnival, with floats, dance groups and brightly costumed figures representing the various mythological, religious or folkloric personages. Carnival events are scheduled for La Vega, Santiago, Bonao, Moca, Montecristi, Salcedo and Dajabon. Each town has a different take on the costumes and themes.
In Montecristi, for example, the legendary fights will bull whips is a key feature. In Santiago, the folklore abounds with figures such as “Roba la Gallina” and the dance groups from different barrios. La Vega carnival is famous for its “Diablos Cojuelos” from Spanish Lenten tradition that wield special, inflated pig’s bladders and beat on people to get rid of their sins.
In Bonao the activities begin at the Duarte Park, and, of course, in Santiago the place to be is up at the Monument, where people will represent political as well as cultural figures and nobody is “untouchable” for the farce.
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Diario Libre
4 February 2020