| The Dominican Republic continues to be an object | | | | effervescent country to commemorate and |
| of intrigue for international hedonists, who flock to | | | | boisterously celebrate Domincan's rich cultural |
| this Caribbean paradise for colorful regional cuisine, | | | | tapestry and independence in 1844. For travelers, |
| languid, turquoise beaches, and a pulsating culture | | | | this is a prime time to travel throughout |
| that, as a vibrant synthesis of European, African, | | | | Dominican, as each and every region throughout |
| and indigenous Tainos practices, literally defies | | | | the island participates in this colorful, country wide |
| borders. Itinerants travel in droves to experience | | | | festival. Carnaval de La Vega, however, is |
| the Dominican's expansive national parks and | | | | perhaps the most ebullient, as it is considered the |
| surreal beaches; coveted cigars and Bermudez | | | | oldest and most spectacular festival among native |
| rum; and intoxicating bachata and merengue | | | | Dominicans. |
| sounds as they waft through the country's | | | | Colorful processions cleave through the streets |
| intimate streets. | | | | every Saturday and Sunday during February in La |
| The month of February, however, presents this | | | | Vega, where thousands of jubilant revelers |
| remarkable fusion in full swing: an entire month | | | | gallivant around in ornate masks or grotesque |
| devoted to the celebration of all things Dominican. | | | | devil costumes; paint their faces black to depict |
| This month-long homage to Dominican culture, art, | | | | deep-seeded African lineage; prod unassuming |
| music, history, and cuisine culminates annually with | | | | tourists with inflated pig bladder vejigas; and |
| the incendiary Carnaval de La Vega, when the | | | | rejoice in the resounding energy and vitality that |
| Dominican's multifaceted roots and unbridled spirit | | | | accompanies such an enormous congregation. To |
| emerge from the sleepy hollows of the serene La | | | | witness Carnaval de La Vega's exuberant cultural |
| Vega Real valley. | | | | display is to experience the Dominican Republic in |
| Set in La Vega, 125 miles north of Santo | | | | its most animated and majestic state, to which |
| Domingo, Carnaval de La Vega unites the | | | | many local Dominicans will most certainly attest. |