Carnival, music, drink and dance festivals give visitors a reason to party Dominican-style
Dominican Republic (September 20, 2006) – The Dominican people love a good party, and with a captivating array of traditional music, hospitable culture and unique Caribbean essence, there’s no shortage of inspiration for a festival. Already recognized for its spectacular Carnival celebration, the Dominican Republic (DR) is beginning to attract attention for its annual array of music, food and even cocktail-themed events. The country’s festival montage is so appealing that tourists throughout the world time their vacations with some of the more popular celebrations.
“The festivals play a major factor in our country’s tourism industry,” notes Magaly Toribio, vice-secretary of tourism. “With visitors from around the globe attending our extravagant celebrations, you could call a Dominican festival a true world party. It’s an experience you can’t recreate anywhere else.”
For those planning a trip to the DR, a country that attracted more than one million Americans last year alone, the following are the country’s featured festivals for 2007. Taking place in major cities and laid-back beach towns alike, each unique event features a common element – the guarantee of a festive party environment with a true Caribbean flair.
February 2007: Carnival (La Vega, Santo Domingo and various small towns throughout the DR)
Carnival boasts a lively parade each weekend in February and honours Dominican independence, music and culture. Visitors needn’t be surprised to find Dominicans dancing in devilish costumes encouraging all to have a good time.
June 2007: Dominican Cocktail Festival (Santo Domingo)
This distinctive competition features the DR’s most talented bartenders who represent the country’s finest restaurants and resorts. Each year they develop new drink concoctions, making the DR’s cocktail offering ever evolving.
July 2007: Bachata Festival (Sosua)
This festival honours bachata, a wildly popular Dominican form of song and dance. Internationally known artists from throughout the country perform.
July 2007: Merengue Festival (Santo Domingo)
This lively celebration honours merengue, the DR’s most beloved music and dance. Widely recognized artists from throughout the country perform in Santo Domingo, the island’s capital.
October 2007: Presidente Latin Music Festival (Santo Domingo)
This annual celebration combines music, dance, cuisine and of course, drink. In the past the festival has featured international Latin superstars such as Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. It is sponsored by Presidente Beer, the DR’s most popular brand of cerveza.
October 2007: Jazz Festival (Cabarete, Puerto Plata and Sosua)
This annual event held on the beaches of the North Coast features recognized jazz musicians from the US, Cuba, Puerto Rico and the DR. Approaching its eighth year, the Dominican Jazz Festival is the largest festival held annually in the country, and attracts jazz aficionados from around the world.
November 2007: Merengue Festival (Puerto Plata)
This annual festival showcases the DR’s top merengue artists. Performances occur on Puerto Plata’s beachside Malecon, featuring restaurants, bars and beautiful Victorian-style architecture.
Disclaimer: The information in this article/release was accurate at
press time; however, we suggest you confirm all details and prices
directly with vendors.
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