After two years on hiatus due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, La Vega was once again filled with color and joy with the start of the La Vega carnival on the first Sunday in February. Around 150 groups are parading this year. Thousands of people came from all around the country to watch the start of the legendary carnival that parades the main streets of La Vega city.
Kelvin Cruz, mayor of La Vega, said that the La Vega Carnival is one of the best in the world. “We have a country brand in terms of carnival in the Dominican Republic and we are honored to preside and be the capital of this cultural tradition,” he told the press.
With floats, dancing groups and the most colorful and varied characters of Dominican folklore, this important tradition starts around 3pm on Sundays with the appearance of the cojuelo devils, a symbol that for decades has showcased the talent of the artisans of that city.
Martin Duquela, president of the Unión Carnavalesca Vegana (Ucave), invites Dominicans and foreigners to enjoy the show on all Sundays in February. He announced this is the first year the government is offering financial support to the organizers. Travel companies sell tours to La Vega to see the carnival.
In addition to Sundays 5, 12, 19 and 26 February, there will be a grand closing on Monday, 27 February 2023, a national holiday, announced Roberto Rodriguez, general director of Grupo Medrano, a major sponsor of the carnival.
Rodríguez said all the events of the Carnaval Vegano 2023 will be televised to reach homes all over the country through Microvision Channel 10 of Telecable Central and on the radio through Super K, Channel 105, Radio La Vega and Radio Olímpica, all Grupo Medrano media.
In addition to the carnival characters, another attraction is the performance of popular music groups. This year, Toño Rosario, Omega, Alajazá, Don Miguelo, Bulin 47, Mozart La Para, Chimbala, Angel Dior, Raulín Rodríguez, Frank Reyes, Héctor Acosta (El Torito) and US rapper Eladio Carrión are hired to perform after-carnival entertainment.
The Vegan Carnival began in 1520, when residents dressed up as Muslims and Christians, but it was not until 1947 that it became a tradition in the town of La Vega.
On 6 January 1977, the Chamber of Deputies of the Dominican Republic recognized the Vegan Carnival as Folkloric Patrimony of the Nation.
In 1983 the Unión Carnavalesca Vegana (UCAVE) was formed as an institution for the organization and preservation of the values of the cultural and artistic event.
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Noticias SIN
El Dia
7 February 2023