fireworks are a christmass tradition in DR. i remember that as a little kid we used to make our own fireworks when we counn't afford to buy them. we made firecrackers with a device made out of old spark plugs. it made a little good noise, but there was another device called the "bazooca" made out of empty food cans taped together and it made a very loud blast when the explosives were ignited with a match. also beware of the "buscapies" (feet seekers) that particular firework is very popular with the tigueres and the tigueritos to make practical jokes and create caos in large crowds (parks, malecon, colmados, frituras ect.)
as they are lit up then are trown to the floor to chase people, so they break running to avoid being blasted by the funny explosives (lol). fireworks are not over yet. just wait until new year's eve and you will hear the cannon blasts made by the army at midnight, and all the loaded tigueres shooting their guns up in the air.