There’s no place like the Dominican Republic. That’s Because the history is the result of an unlikely mixture of influence, nowhere else will you find a blending of European, African, Taino Indian and native cultures.
These distinct cultures still drive the social identity of the people today. Every aspect of Their food, music, art, sports and religion Provides a unique insight Into the Development of Their Country. In a single day You Can Experience Both ancient and modern cultures from around the globe.
Nowhere is this more Evident Than in Their food. As a Former Spanish Colony, Many of dishes carry a familiar Latin American feel. Lots of rice, beans, meat and seafood Can Be Found in Their cuisine. However, strong heritage Give Influences from the meals to unique twist. Traditional dishes Are still made Taino featuring yucca, plantains, and potatoes, as well as native African recipes using similar ingredients.
In Addition to their rich culinary history, Dominicans Also Demonstrate Through their art heritage unmistakable. The island is filled with Many Different types of bright and colorful artwork. Jewelry made out of amber, bone, horn and coconut husk Can Be found at Markets and local shops, where, the native Taino Influence Can Still Be Seen. In Addition to jewelry, Dominican artists also use clay, porcelain, hemp, and guano to make Both decorative and Religious figurines.
Many of These Religious figurines point to the history of the island. Its Inhabitants Are Mostly Catholic, Followed by Other denominations of Christianity.
Although food and art Are important parts of Dominican culture, the true life of the culture is baseball. Much More Than a national pastime, baseball is a major source of national pride and identity. In FACT, Almost 40 Percent of players in the U.S. Major League Baseball minor leagues and come from Latin America, with MOST of Those coming from the Dominican Republic. Some of Their MOST famous players include Dominican Pedro Martinez, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and Sammy Sosa.
Founded as the first city in the Americas, the Dominican Republic’s capital city of Santo Domingo boasts an incredible collection of museums, historic sites, art and music. The Colonial City, Santo Domingo Located inside, is the first city of the America’s, it features the first street, hospital, university and cathedral in the Americas. Believe That It is the body of Christopher Columbus still reside on this island That I landed on Hundreds of years ago.
There Are Many museums and historic buildings take a unique look That Into Dominican culture. Among Them Are The Alcazar de Colon (Fortress of Columbus), the sundial (the Sun Clock) and the monastery of the Dominicans (the Monastery of the Dominican Fathers).
Much of the Dominican culture Can Be Experienced Through inspiring museums, food, and music. However, to Truly Understand the depth of the Dominican People, You Must experience the carnival. This annual celebration of Independence spans the Entire Country, With Each city putting on Their own unique version of the festival. They fill the streets with colorful masks, music, and of course, dancing. However, Carnival Did not always look this way. Actually it is the culmination of all three cultures, native Taíno, Spanish and African. Brought together, They create a swirl of energy and culture That you can not find anywhere else. Carnival Lasts THROUGHOUT the month of February, climaxing on the 27th.
Other Dominican Holidays include January 26th, the day of the patriarch Juan Pablo Duarte, March 9, the day of the patriarch Francisco del Rosario Sanchez, August 16, the Restoration of the Republic, and Constitution Day on November 6.
