CARNEVAL in La Vega - searching for events and dat

Does anyone know which events at what date are scheduled for carneval at La Vega?
Any tips or suggestions for a large groupe to visit other carneval events in the DR

Thanks
Klaus

It is called Carnaval or in English Carnival. This activity takes place in the month of February. The Diablo Cajuelo or Devil is the main attraction of the Carnival. The Devil is a costumed person that carries whips and Vejigas(Baloon type whips made with cows tripe hardened by sundrying. They put together many layers of the material until it becomes extremely hard. The Diablos chase people around using twisting dancing moves and high jumps attacking them with their whips. It is almost a sport trying to avoid getting hit by these people. Few succeed. It used to be strictly for men, but now women are Diablos too. The La Vega Diablos are the most colorful and carry the most original Caretas(Face masks) made with real cow and horse teeth. I used to design costumes for a group called Las Gazelas from New York winning the First Prize for design in 1990 and 1991. The best Comparsas(groups) are from New York, specially Corona, Queens. They spend all year practicing and preparing for this. They spend as much as $10,000 dollars for costumes. They come out every Sunday in February out to the streets in La Vega chasing people. It is the best Carnival in the Dominican Republic. A word to the wise: some hits by the La Vega Diablo can cause serious injury and there is little you can do. One death was reported once. Also, if you challenge a Diablo you will be attacked by the whole group. So seriously, if you are not willing to take punishment, don't go to La Vega on Sundays and stay on the streets. This is as tough as being chased by a bull in Pamplona. You will not be able to see their faces until the last Sunday of February(To figure out who hit you) Locals can tell who the tough ones are. believe it or not the NUNS are the deadliest. You can also catch the Diablos at the Santo Domingo Carnival Parade. There is also the Kings' and the Carnival Queens Parade in La Vega. Most travel agencies can arrange for tours. This is the most exciting activity in February in the Dominican Republic. There is a Disco called Karetas in La Vega dedicated to the Diablos. Nice place to dance.

TW

A lot of your posts are attacked (by me included) but this one is great. It is so informative and I never knew that a Carnival could be so much fun. We don't have anything as half as exciting as that in England.

Despite all the arguments and name calling on the board, it is informative, especially when you see a post like this.

Congratulations TW and thanks for a little more information on the wonderful DR.

Carol

Hi TW,
this is realy, as Carol said, a great answer and - for me - a very informativ Post.
Thanks a lot.
Klaus

I forgot to mention that your loaded camera is a must. You see, about the only gentle thing Diablos do after they whip you is they love to pose for pictures with you and your children(They do not hit children, except Dominican tigueritos). Diablos make for very photogenic pictures, because of the many layers of bright colored satins and silks, their colorful batman type capes and hoods adorned with hundreds of cowbells and pocket mirrors. Also, something really fun to see are big obese gay men bending down to get their behinds hit by the whips and see how much punishment they can stand. Also women with big behinds are the favorite targets.

I agree with TW 100%. I have been going to La vega Carnaval for about 3 years now. One thing he has missed out. There are very few places to use the bathroom facility. very difficult to move around in crowds so be carefeul with your beer consumption as you may spend the rest of the day holding your urges to relieve yourself in a clean bathroom.
Other that that, its a very exciting event.

AZB: If you stick close to the park(not the one by the cathedral)there are plenty of portajohns for beer drinkers, otherwise, who will notice in the crowd when you are up against the wall? The thing that is a real no-no is to drive your car there, unless you know a family with a parking space. You may be able to rent a spot in one of the several car washes in the outskirts. And forget about motorcycling there. No place to keep 'em.