The spread of the Omicron Covid-19 variant seems to be leveling off right before the start of carnival season . The cultural push for the traditional celebrations are leading carnival organizers in La Vega and Santiago to accommodate the celebrations to the realities of public health.
In La Vega, the organizers have been conservative. They have decided to postpone their traditional parades, á la New Orleans, until the health authorities are in agreement.
In Santiago, the organizing committee, which includes a representative of the Health Cabinet, the Mayor’s Office, the local provincial governor’s office, and an impressive list of local civic leaders, has announced that this year the carnival will be held on the grounds of the Cibao Regional Theater, in front of the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration. In Santiago, the outstanding point is that access to the grounds of the Regional Theater will be restricted to those who have completed their required vaccinations.
An internal circuit of carnival parades is planned for the grounds of the Cibao Regional Theater so that the whole family can enjoy. On Saturdays and Sundays, during the month of February, the area will be open from 9am until 11pm. There also will be musical concerts. This attempt by the authorities in Santiago to return to normalcy is subject to any new protocols issued by the Health Cabinet.
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El Caribe
25 January 2022