The Carnival
If you come here in February, do not miss the Carnivals. Each city and village has their own traditions and costumes. The Diablos Cojuelos or lame devils are the main characters in the Dominican Carnival. The Diablos cojuelos have "teams" with similar costumes that are called Comparsas.
The most impressive Carnival is in La Vega where the tradition is that the Diablos hit onlookers in the butt with inflated goat-bladders. Well that was the good old days, now they use rubber ones, but it still hurts. They usually hit soft when they see that you are a tourist but some of the Diablos get even more encouraged, especially with pretty girls. They have lots of small bells that tingle when the come running. In La Vega they have the most beautiful masks and costumes.
Most Diablos from all the cities and villages come to Santo Doming on the last Sunday of February for the culmination of the Carnival. This climax is held on the Malecon (Sea side road) and lasts most of the day.
Adrenaline starts pumping when a comparsa comes running towards you. I tell you, better find a wall to protect your butt. Sometimes it is better to just RUN!!!
If you are a small group we will be happy to set you up to see the Carnival, do not miss it.
