Transmission Wire

We went to the Caribbean in search of a fun filled holiday on the beach but we got was much more. We wanted to get an up close and personal look at the culture of these islands that are the fountainhead of some of the best modern music and dance forms in the world. So we booked our hotel rooms in the Dominican Republic to be there in time for the carnival.

Carnivals in the Caribbean underscore the multiple cultural influences on these islands. Costumes and masks reflect the beliefs and lifestyle of the indigenous people while the musical instruments and the rhythms often draw on the African origin of some of the inhabitants. Centuries of colonial rule in the Caribbean has left its mark on the carnivals, particularly in the timing of the celebrations - around Christmas and the New Year as well as pre-Lent celebrations.

The Santo Domingo Carnival in the Dominican Republic which we witnessed is a true blend of religious sentiments, regional traditions, creative costumes. A vibrant Caribbean atmosphere is created by some of the best original music and dancing. Armed with our cameras, we roamed around Malecon snapping pictures of children getting their faces painted, people getting their bodies tattooed, and groups of spectators in colorful costumes.

Participants in the carnival seemed to be groups of friends, or part of a club or a family, as there were people of all ages sporting all kinds of outlandish costumes and masks. Costumes with trailing colorful ribbons, bells, mirrors and even tiny dolls abound. As buses laden with tourists arrived, the streets filled with jostling crowds and the decibel levels rose. Uniformed policemen kept the spirited crowds in control and yet one could see that everyone was having fun. The carnival is also an ideal place to pick up some unique handmade souvenirs of your Caribbean sojourn.