This is an artwork depicting Juan Pablo Duarte.
The picture above is a famous mask worn during Carnaval called El Diablo Cojuelo. El Diablo lashes out at bystanders with an inflated cow bladder to purge the spectators of their sins.
Food and Music
The video on the right demonstrates people tasting traditional Dominican cuisine. Foods like Mangú and Morir Soñando, which are typical foods consumed in the DR. In the DR, music plays an important role in their culture. Bachata and Merengue are music genres that are heard across all age groups however, young adults and adolescents like to hear a music genre called Dembow. Dembow is another word for Dominican Reggaeton. The video on the right teaches you how to dance Dembow. Under the tab called DR vs. United States, more examples will be provided regarding bachata as a dance.
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvaZyiQuvLI
http://www.welcome-dominican-republic.com/Dominican-Republic-holidays.html
http://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Dominican-Republic.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciSJIvP5PLw
History and Festivities
The Dominican Culture is full of historic and interesting customs. Before the Dominican Republic (DR) became the country we know today, it's original name was Hispanola in 1492. It is thanks to a man called Juan Pablo Duarte, who fought for DR's independence in 1844. Aside from celebrating the Dominican Republic's Independence day, Dominicans celebrate many other festivities. In the DR, many of the holidays revolve around religion and music. For example, the Christmas celebration begins in the beginning of December through January 6. On the sixth of January, El Dia de los Reyes (the Day of the Kings) is celebrated. This is the last day that children receive gifts that come from the three kings who visited Jesus Christ as an infant. Like many Latin countries, Dominicans also celebrate Carnaval (Carnival). This festivity is celebrated every Sunday in the month of February. It is known to be one of the most fascinating and colorful celebrations in the DR. Fiestas Patronales are celebrations in which every town celebrates their Parton Saint. These celebrations vary from town to town.