The Celebrations of the Dominican
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Below are five of the most popularly celebrated holidays in the Dominican culture. Click on any picture to view the complete list of celebrated holidays in the Dominican Republic.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~La Quinceanera~
La Quinceanera occurs when a girl in the Latino community turns fifteen years of age. This celebration symbolizes the girl being escorted into womanhood by her parents. The word "Quinceanera" comes from the spanish "quince," which means "fifteen," and "ano," which means "year." The celebrations are elaborate and often equivalent to that of an American wedding. However, instead of a couple that is being honored, the fifteen year old girl receives all of the attention.
~La Navidad~
La Navidad, December 25, is what is known as Christmas in the United States. The Dominicans usually attend midnight Catholic Mass on Christmas Eve. Traditional food is also cooked by the family to serve on Christmas Day. Presents are also exchanged between family and friends, similar to the American Christmas.
~La Dia de la Virgen de Altagracia~
La Dia de la Virgen de Altagracia, January 21, is the most important religious day in the Dominican culture. On this day, the Dominicans begin their several day pilgrimage to Higuey. The Virgin de Altagracia is known as Our Lady of Highest Grace. She is the patron virgin of the Dominican Republic.
~La Carnival~
La Carnival is the most popular traditional festivity in the Dominican Republic. This carnival is an excellent expression of the Dominican culture, with bright colors, detailed costumes and rhythmic sounds. Some of the towns in the Dominican choose to parade down the streets each Sunday in February while other towns choose one specific date to dance down the streets in celebration.
~La Dia de Independencia~
La Dia de Independencia, February 27, is the day that marks the Dominican Republic's independence from Haiti. It is an action packed day full of dancing, partying, drinking and eating. Additionally, adorning the streets are numerous people in costumes, in parades and on floats. Along with celebrating the Dominican's independence, the Carnival officially beings on this day and the celebrations continue.
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