Carnaval!

The Eastern two thirds of the island of Hispańola - now known as the Domincan Republic - have been under the control of several foreign powers since Columbus led the Spanish here in 1492 and a large part of the native Taino population was killed by way of murder, disease and/or suicide, depending on who you talk to. Interestingly though, recent genetic studies of the Dominican people show that they are descended from all three of the ethnic populations that have occupied this country throughout history, and in nearly equal parts - the native Taino, the Spanish and the African. In 1822, having been a neglected Spanish colony for hundreds of years, the island was taken over by neighboring Haiti, the first Independent Black Republic in the Western Hemisphere.



In celebration of the independence that the Dominican Republic then gained from Haiti on the 27th day of February, 1844, Dominicans have Carnaval! The weekend after we arrived in this country a few of us ventured downtown to a highly populated strip of the Mediterranean coast to brave the crowds for a glimpse of the gorgeous costumes, giant whip cracking and kite flying. As usual it was a hot sunny day and there was meringue music playing everywhere.



Disclaimer: I very much value accurate and complete conveyances of history, and the above does not meet the latter expectation. This country has a phenomenal history and if you’re interested you should read up on the topic, including but not limited to Why the Cocks Fight: Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the struggle for Hispańola.