What is Roba la Gallina?
The “Roba la Gallina” / chicken thief character is typically a man dressed as a woman – presumably meant to be a woman who steals chickens – but before she is caught and punished. The “Roba la Gallina” is one of the most popular and funny of all the Carnaval Dominicano characters.
What is the origin of the Dominican carnival?
Origin & History Carnival in the Dominican Republic dates back to 1520, during the Spanish colonial times. Some researchers say the first carnival events took place as a celebration of a visit by Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, when inhabitants disguised themselves as Moors and Christians.
What is Carnaval de la Vega?
Dating back to the 1500s, Carnaval de La Vega or Carnaval Vegano is the biggest, most vibrant carnival celebration in the Dominican Republic. Its principal character, the diablo cojuelo or limping devil, is instantly recognized because of the exaggerated mask features, with protruding eyes and teeth.
Why is Carnaval de la Vega celebrated?
Beginning as a religious activity to celebrate the time just before Lent, El Carnaval de la Vega’s theme revolved around the victory of good over evil. In recent years this festival has evolved to include the celebration of Dominican independence, which falls on February 27 every year.
What do Dominicans do for Carnival?
People gather in the streets to watch parades. Most of the disguised people carry a “Vejiga” or whip to hit people. Typical music such as merengue and bachata is played throughout the celebration to add some excitement to it. People wear colorful masks to represent religious figures.
Who did the Dominican Republic gain independence from?
Haiti
Following both French and Spanish rule from as early as the 16th century, the island nation of the Dominican Republic declared itself an independent nation from neighboring Haiti in 1844. In 1861, the Dominican Republic reverted to Spanish rule, again winning its independence in 1865.
What is La Vega?
La Vega is a prosperous commercial, manufacturing, and transportation centre in the fertile La Vega Real region, which yields cacao, coffee, tobacco, rice, fruits, and cattle.
Why are mascaras a carnival tradition?
Carnival celebrations featuring performers dressed as devils are found in Puerto Rico and the rest Latin America. The presence of these characters during Carnival is understood by many as an ancient reference to the contest between good and evil.
Which came first Haiti or Dominican Republic?
Haiti and the Dominican Republic share the island of Hispaniola, where Christopher Columbus established the first European settlement in 1492. Indeed, the Dominican Republic gained its independence from Haiti, not Spain, in 1844. Modern times have been no less complicated.
Is la Vega en El Cibao?
La Vega – Wikitravel. La Vega is in Western Cibao. La Vega, or Concepción de La Vega is the third largest city and municipality of the Dominican Republic. It is located at a province that shares the same name.