Characters and colors of carnival in the Dominican Republic

Dating back to the 15th century, the Dominican Carnival is the oldest in the Caribbean, blending Spanish, African, and Taíno influences. It was originally started to mock the traditions and customs of the colonial rulers but over the centuries has evolved into an elaborate display of history and folklore. Each city has its own signature character, most famously the Diablo cojuelo (limping devil). 

These folklore figures, masked comparsas (troupes), and performances entertain crowds with a sometimes political and humorous twist. In the past, the carnival in Santo Domingo has been under threat of becoming a strictly elitist event but to this day, it remains a celebration for all, reminding visitors of the Dominican Republic’s diverse heritage. Yet what do all the characters and costumes symbolize? Take note, so that you can recognize them at a glance.

In every city and town, people put on their costumes and hit the streets to celebrate Carnival in the Dominican Republic. Carnival here lasts the entire month, and although the festivities held in La Vega and Santiago are the most famous, Santo Domingo’s version is becoming increasingly popular. Each carnival has its own standout character complete with a fascinating backstory which makes the event all the more enjoyable.

These costumes pay homage to the island’s indigenous Taíno roots. Traditionally made from rice sacks, the outfits symbolize the resilience of the native people who once inhabited the land. Feathers, beads, and body paint are often added to complete the look, representing the spirit of the first inhabitants of Hispaniola.

A tribute to the African heritage of the Dominican Republic, these characters, known as tiznaos, paint their skin black and wear skirts made from coconut and palm leaves. Their presence in Carnival serves as a powerful reminder of the enslaved Africans who shaped Dominican culture through their music, dance, and traditions.

A more recent addition to the Santo Domingo Carnival, the Ali Babas are inspired by the tale of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. These groups are known for their extravagant, brightly colored costumes adorned with sequins, turbans, and elaborate accessories. Accompanied by energetic choreographed dance routines and marching bands, they bring a modern, theatrical flair to the celebration.

This character consists of a woman carrying a doll representing her sick daughter whom she is trying to take to the hospital, and she begs for spare change to get there. As part of the ritual, she shouts, "Se me muere Rebeca," (Rebeca is dying!) and the group replies, "...ay, ay…"

This is one of the most traditional characters of the Dominican Carnival and it satires the political and social current affairs of the nation (and also the world) through the use of rhymes and poetry. You’ll recognize him by his attire: a tall hat and a black tuxedo.

El diablo cojuelo dates back to the 1500s when the carnival in La Vega, Dominican Republic, was in its infancy. The diablo cojuelo, or the limping devil in English, is instantly recognizable thanks to its protruding teeth, exaggerated facial features, and outlandish clothing. The cloak, shiny shirt, and jingle bell embellished trousers are a mockery of the Spanish medieval knights. 

The devil dances through the streets of La Vega, scaring crowds with his diablo cojuelo mask and his whip, known as a vejiga. The whips are an iconic part of the devil costume and are made from inflated cow’s bladders which have been dried and cured with lemon, ashes, and salt.

If you are headed to the Santiago carnival in the Dominican Republic, you won’t miss the Lechones or piglets of Santiago. This city hosts the island’s second biggest carnival and since the area is famous for its pork, pigs feature in the Dominican Republic costumes. Similar to the diablo cojuelo Dominicano, people dress in brightly colored costumes and wear devil masks in the shape of a pig decorated in unique ways to represent their neighborhood. Originally, these piglets were considered the guardians of the carnival, opening the parade and warding off the crowds. They too also carry a whip, this time made from sisal rope which makes a threatening noise when swung in the air. 

Carnival celebrations in Puerto Plata will not be complete without Los Taimáscaros, a devil character whose name comes from the words Taíno and “Mask”. Dating back to 1991, a group of men decided to uplift the community spirit and combine the three uniting cultures of the Dominican Republic: Taíno, African, and European. They are a central part of Dominican folkloric traditions and to this day, there are about thirteen tribes that form the Taimáscaros group. The intricate costumes have won prizes over the years for their ingenuity and the Dominican Republic masks represent an important Taíno deity. 

The Guloyas are a vibrant group of dancers that are made up of the Cocolos, a distinct Afro-Caribbean community in the Dominican Republic. Their roots can be traced back to African slaves brought from the British Caribbean islands in the late 19th century. Around 6,000 migrants from Anguilla, Barbados, St. Kitts, Nevis, Tortola, Turks and Caicos, St. Croix, and other islands arrived to work in the country’s sugar industry. Originally called Tortolos, likely in reference to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, their name eventually evolved into Cocolos. Dressed in dazzling, beaded costumes and elaborate feathered hats, they perform rhythmic Afro-Caribbean dances to the beat of their own drums, joyfully spinning through the streets. In recognition of their cultural significance, UNESCO designated the Guloyas as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005.

The Pintaos are the “painted ones”. Typical of the Barahona carnival, this character is traced back to the slaves who escaped during the 16th century and hid in the mountains. Only a small loincloth is worn and the entire body is painted in different colors. 

Literally translating to the “chicken thief” this character has been a fixture in the carnival in the Dominican Republic since the Haitian occupation when chicken thieves were smeared with feathers. Normally, this character is a man dressed as a woman with an elaborate dress, large breasts, and buttocks along with an umbrella and a large handbag with the stolen chicken. She parades through the streets animating the crowds.

It is not just the Santo Domingo carnival that is famous for its lavish display of costumes. Across the entire country, from Punta Cana to La Vega, the carnival is an opportunity for dressing up and celebrating the customs and traditions of the island. If you are keen to explore further afield, don’t miss these carnival celebrations outside of Santo Domingo during your vacation in the Dominican Republic.

The carnival of La Vega, a city in the north of the Dominican Republic, is one of the most important in the country and the entire Caribbean. It dates back to 1520 and today is a major part of the Dominican Republic’s cultural heritage. In 1983 an association was created to organize and preserve the festival's traditions. Also known as the Carnaval Vegano, this celebration is famous for its masks with moving jaws and wild harem pant-style costumes.

Known as the carnival of Santiago de los Caballeros, this celebration in the north of the country has achieved international fame thanks to its diverse dance groups, which reflect the cultural and folkloric wealth of the region. Perhaps the most iconic is the figure of the Lechones, who wear a pig mask. However, this is not the only costume, with a diverse range on show, parading to the merengue music alongside colorful floats.

Punta Cana is a well-known tourist destination but it also is home to a fun and vibrant carnival. Countless music and dance groups offer a representative overview of the country's various traditions, so you don't necessarily have to leave your resort in Punta Cana to get a taste of this fascinating festival. Just enjoy the Latin beats and dance until dawn!