Carnival in DR

[sooozie]

Hi All
I am visiting the DR from 26 jan to 6 Feb and i have read in a few guide books that you celebrate carnival every Sunday in Feb so I was wondering if anywhere will have anything going on on Sunday 1st February - I am staying near Puerto Plata so if anyone knows anything would be great if you could let me know. I am also wondering as everywhere I have read that we should not drive at night - is it really that dangerous or is it people being super wary

Look forward to hearing any info - cant wait to visit your island

Best Regards from freezing cold London - Suzie

[Hillbilly]

Ash Wednesday is Feb 25, so before and after that date things are happening.
I don't think you will have any more problems than you wold in New Orleans...lots of booze, lots of music...just be careful

HB

[jrzyguy]

i've done carnival a couple of times as well as a couple of other holidays. I gotta say i dont care for it. I dont like traveling to big events here in the US either. I dont like crowds (even tho i live in the NYC area)...and those guys whipping people with pig intestines is just really hard to watch (if you go...wear long pants that will protect your skin).

I'd rather go to a good game of winter league beisbol than carnival.

I am booked for the 26th of feb. thru march 6. Unfortunately for me that is the big carnival weekend. Oh well...I will endure!

IF the OP does go to carnival...most definitely stay with the tourist crowd or you are going to be in PAIN.

[RonS]

I agree with Jrzyguy. I have only attended Carnival and the parade on Dia Independencia in the capitol. It's ok, but I am not very impressed with it. Those whips are horrendous and the guys using them don't discriminate. Personally, I'll be in the DR from 21 February to 7 March, but I'm leaving the capitol to go to the north coast where its relatively quite for the weekend of 27 Feb.

Jrzyguy, let's meet up for a cold Presidente or Cuba Libre in BC!

[laurapasinifan]

the carnival in La Vega has its ups and downs. It is a sight to behold, and for that alone you should go. The costumes are wild and intricate and when you see a club come down with 20 guys all dressed the same in those over the top outfits with all their colors...it is nice and memorable.

on the other side the crowd is full of people trying to take advantage of all the people.

dont wear ANY loose jewelry!!!! no necklaces! leave the nice watch at home...if you have to bring a wallet put it in your front pocket!!!!

if you do bring a camera makes sure the strap is very secure around you!!!!

and expect someone to try and steal it..., that way you are prepared.

no it isnt that common...but it does happen and can ruin your trip!

stay on the outside of the crowds and you will avoid getting hit.

they hit all people in La Vega and they love to hit macho men and pretty women and girls

it is their chance in life to get away with stuff they cant do normally!

the LaVega carnival is the real deal 100% dominican and full blown,

those outfits cost a LOT of money... the bladders they swing are like a rugby ball ..tight and hard and with a 2 foot length of rope for a handle they can get some force when they swing them!!
remember where you park!!!!

give yourself a LOT of time before and after to get there and leave...at least an hour or more

go hungry!! they offer a lot of stuff....try all you can!!

if you really worry about getting hit on the street parrallel to the main parade route is where the participants walk back usually with their masks off and cooling down and eatign and drinking.....as they make their way back to the beginning to walk the route again...

that route is less hectic and less chance for getting whomped....

one of the reasons to go...IS THE CORWD!!!!!!! ha ha ha....wow..I LOVED THE CROWDS!!!


this is what the bladder looks like the hit you with..

remember they always try to hit you in the back from your azz down to the back of the knees...it is tradition..so dont get upset about it... they dont hit you in the front or above the waist!!




good luck

[DavidZ]

Bad Bob is on the money, good advice in his post. Obviously like any other huge outdoor event, don't go if you don't like crowds, but if you do, the celebrations in La Vega are world-class. The ones on the first two Sundays are a little less crowded and crazy...the final two can be NUTS! But it is definitely worth checking out if you like this sort of thing. You can join a group tour out of most cities that includes a ride, drinks, food, and a place in the bleachers...usually a tshirt or other souvenir as well...just look for signs at Supermercados, bars, discos, etc.

Driving there is not a big deal especially for the first one in Feb...the first La Vega exit off the highway (coming from Santiago) takes you straight to the parade area. Just find a place to park, and follow the crowds. It is a good idea to either pay to view from one of the observation areas, or just grab a spot on the sidewalk and watch from there. If you walk along the parade route, you will likely be a target for getting hit. If you stay on the sidewalk facing the street, you probably won't get hit at all...but if you do, remember, it's part of "the fun" but it does hurt.... A LOT!!! even the little kids roam around swinging the bladders, looking for an exposed butt cheek to bruise!

Almost all cities have carnaval parades on the last Sunday of Feb - it also coincides with the celebration of Independence day - Feb. 27, but only the larger ones have serious parades on the other Sundays. The biggest are: Santiago, Santo Domingo, Monte Cristi, and the biggest, as mentioned is La Vega. The one in Puerto Plata is ok, but not very crowded...except the last Sunday and even then doesn't compare to some of the big ones.

[donmobay]

i like the carnival in santiago.. driving at night . why bother. stay over. me im drivin at night close to home on familiar roads advice.. drive during daylite... wake up early and go. have a great time...

[shortraymond]

La Carnaval De La Vega is a sight to behold. Crazy costumes, beautiful people, and great food.

[SKing]

I want to go, and had planned to go but I do NOT want to be hit or have my children hit. If we do not walk along the main part of the parade to stay safe from hitting, can you still see what's going on?
SHALENA

[Dragonfly32837]

My aunt told me that for the first time this year there will be a safe area for people that do not wish to be hit. I am going tomorrow to the carnaval de la vega.