Dominican Republic carnival parades kicked off this past Sunday in the major provinces and cities. I attended Puerto Plata’s first parade, held along a small portion of the city’s seafront boulevard.
The set up for the first Puerto Plata Carnival parade was average–with limited stage-front space for viewers to enjoy the show fully, and little time for the participants to dance and show off their costumes. The crowds and participants begin to show up around 2PM, with the event kicking off around 3pm (always remember, Dominican time).
The best part of the day was actually before the event started, talking to the various tribes, and for me–capturing images of their creative costumes, and getting footage of them dancing freely. And getting beers at the Malecon-facing cafes.
Carnival in the DR dates back to the 16th century–and incorporates folklore and history, showcased in unique ways in the various provinces (who compete for a national prize at the end of carnival season). Each province also has its overall carnival identity and name–in Puerto Plata, it’s the Taimascaros–Tai for Taino and mascarao for masks which dominate the costume, and reflect a celebration of the region’s Taino heritage.
The award-winning Taimascaros are celebrating their 25 years–there are about 13 active tribes forming the group; directly above is an image of members of the Tribu Yucahu. I’m guessing (or hoping) the parades will get more lively as the weeks progress.
In the meantime, look out for photos I am sharing daily throughout Carnival season across the country–use the hashtag #CarnivalDR or join my Facebook Page and Instagram. There are still four more weekends to go and the parades are going to get more vibrant and diverse.
Gorgeous photos! We had to go once we saw them and read your article. We followed your advise and went early.
We went from Sosua last Sunday, Feb. 14th.
We were told the parade was to start at 2:00. WRONG! Once there a worker at the grandstand told us it would start at 8:00 PM.
We had come by taxi and had shopping to do at La Sirena so could not stay.
We were disappointed, of course, but we had a nice walk around the area. We will try again next Sunday.
Do you have any idea where I could check the time of the parade. Clearly we want to go early again. The restaurants and bars along Av. del Malecón looked fine for passing time before parade.
I thought your photos were taken in the daytime. I guess start time varies so tribes can travel to other parades.
Thanks for posting the beautiful photos.
Hi Bridget,
Thanks very much! And what a darn shame you came out here to see it and missed it. The parade usually starts around 3pm (Dominican time means give or take an hour). Unfortunately it’s very common in the DR for people to give out the wrong information! In Santiago I asked about 10 people where the parade actually begins (as a photographer I like to know the source of the parade), and each gave a different answer even though they’ve lived there all their lives. 🙂 Too funny. That’s why I do everything myself with my guidebook research, for the correct information to give my readers. I should have included that in this post, and will edit it.
The bars and restaurants on the Malecon, facing the carnival set up are perfect spots to sit (on the sidewalk) while you wait for the event to start, and to watch the participants who begin to show up in their costumes around 2:30 or 3pm. I hope that helps and that you’ll give it another shot next Sunday. And if you are able at all, you should instead go to Santiago’s carnival – an easy bus ride away on Metro or Caribe Tours–much, much more impressive and more of a real carnival “parade.” But if you are pressed for time, this one will give you a decent glimpse.
Thanks for stopping by and for your comments!
Thank you so much for your quick reply. The photos you took from Santiago’s carnival are also breathtaking. Difficult decision.
Thanks, Bridget! Yes it’s hard! 🙂 So much choice.