Any info on carnival 2001?

Can anyone tell more detailed info on the carnival 2001?
Heard that Presidente Beer is sponsoring concerts around the island. Where and when??? I'll be spending 2 weeks on the North Coast during the carnival and would like to get some information beforehand...THANKS!

It's either Feb.24 or 25. Went last year and had a ball. Look for 4 guys with golfers tans and say hello for a free Presidente. By the way, does anyone of the regulars know the name of those ballon type things that the kids wap everyone on ass with? Gotta get me one.

My dear fellow... 'tis pigs' bladders you speak of !!! If you stay on the sidewalk while the devils parade you shall be spared the sting. I must tell you that in Santiago, the big parade this year has been scheduled for the 27th of February. (it is Independence Day). I believe La vega and Santo Domingo will have parades on the 25. I strongly urge you not to miss Santiago on the 27th. Seeing is believing.

Randy, those are called "vejigas" and THEY ARE dessicated pigs' bladders lined with satin cloth. I doubt US customs will let you by hauling one of those. I'd think they would be considered "animal parts" or "agricultural products". You might try though, you can always play dumb as they slap your wrist.

Any idea what time of day the Santiago Independance Day Carnival festivities start and end? We would like to pick up on some of this action after rafting out of Jarabacoa that day.

When you get to Santiago, find out where Plaza Valerio is. This is the staging area and gathering place for the sanctioned groups that will take part in the parade and will compete for best "comparsa" (team??) and so forth. You will be able to walk around the groups and have your picture taken with everyone in costume. Get there around 3:30. Parading in ernest starts at about 4:30. You can then walk for about 15 minutes to "the monument" in the opposite direction.(you can't get lost, everyone is walking there!!!) If you want to take pictures or video, it is best to start out early, since the event ends at about 7:00 and it will be too dark then to take good pictures. Last year I secured a spot right across from the judging booth, (If you have a camera,security will let you get around the ropes.) If you can locate the judges, this is a prime spot since all the groups stop and do their little routine or dance in front of them. You will notice them get excited and take notes quickly when they like a particular group or participant. The judges usually sit high on some kind of temporary stage. Good luck. I am not going to be able to stay until the 27th. Can you email me or post your opinion when you get back? I'd like to know what you thought of it. I'm a proud native son looking from afar. Enjoy!

What are you doing after the round? Care to pound a few Presidentes with the boys??

Ivan,many thanks for the Carnival Tips. I will definately give you a blow by blow after the trip.

Carnaval Dominicano no tiene relacion directa con el Festival Presidente.
Los carnavales son independientes entre si, y el festival es organizado por una empresa privada del tabaco.

El Carnaval de Santo Domingo capital es en Marzo 4, y los de Santiago son en febrero 3 el oficial, y otro secundario en marzo 3, que no podemos tener idea como resultara.

Espero que un alma caritativa que tenga dominio del ingles y el español haga la traduccion de este comentario, para los interesados. Cuando tenga oportunidad de obtener los detalles del festival Presidente, los colocare.

http://es.clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/bohiodelcibao

walker@univision.com

For telling so nice words about my city Carnaval Popular.

If you ever need pictures of the 2001 version, let me know.

If ever come here again, you have win a cup of Juncalito Coffee, second best in the world!

walker@univision.com