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La Vega Dominican Republic
La Vega Dominican Republic, is a normally quiet town with a population of around 60,000 which lies half an hour from Jarabacoa and Constanza.
It does however have a a rich heritage and colourful history.
The ruins of the colonial Spanish settlement at La Vega Vieja are within a few minutes drive, near the historic battleground of Santo Cerro, site of a Spanish victory against the indigenous Tainos.
The Holy Hill, La Vega is one of those places shrouded by myth and tradition. On March 25, 1494 Columbus faced his first major battle against Taino Indians. Fokelore suggests that Columbus planted a wooden cross at the summit of this hill. In the midst of the battle, the Virgin Mary appears behind Columbus' cross; this apparition stuns the Indians and gives Colombus the momentum to win the battle of el Santo Cerro.
Today, the hole left by Columbus' cross (El Santo Hoyo) is still preserved in the interior of the church Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes. The local people still hold strong religious and traditional values. El Santo Cerro is a national shrine. [cont right]
Carnival
La Vega Dominican Republic [El Carnaval de La Vega] is best known as the home of Carnival, one of the oldest and most vibrant of Dominican traditions. Taking place on every Sunday throughout the month of February, it is the best of the Dominican carnivals.
The Dominican Republics African heritage is reflected in the wildly colourful masks and costumes at La Vega Carnival. You will find merengue and salsa dancing at all the parades.
It is one of the oldest and most popular Dominican traditions and dates back to the first European settlers in the early 1500's. It began as a religious activity celebrating the pre-Lent season. The carnival`s theme revolves around the victory of good over evil. In recent years this festival has evolved to include the celebration of Dominican independence, which culminates on the 27th of February each calendar year.[cont left]
La Vega Dominican Republic [cont]
Wearing colorful yet devilish masks worn and created, the Dominicans celebrate the victory of good over evil. Both locals and visitors dance through the streets to blaring, energetic music while sampling the finest food and drink the Dominican Republic has to offer. Carnival has become a popular celebration that encourages participation from all generations. La Vega Carnival
The economy of La Vega is mainly sustained by agriculture. Carnival in La Vega is celebrated on two levels. The popular carnival, celebrated every Sunday in the central plaza and its environs. It includes the massive and unlimited participation of the people. There is also the social carnival. These are carnival celebrations in private clubs, local businesses and their employees, as well as contests and other private balls which limit participation to members.
La Vega Dominican Republic [cont]
The traditional costumes are carefully sewn months in advance and are very elaborate and colorful. The masks from La Vega are unmistakable because they are extremely frightening, many times grotesque and very elaborate. They are highly decorated with rhinestones and feathers. They generally have bulging eyes with bloodshot veins and rows upon rows of sharp fangs that seem to sprout out of their menacing, scowling mouths. The horns are short and can be as many as 3 on either side.
A cottage industry has been created to provide masks to all the groups that take part in all the activities every year in February. The preparations can begin as early as December, creating much needed economic activity for the town.
Carnival in La Vega is one of the most popular celebrations in the country for both locals, Dominicans, and tourists. The action starts at around 3pm although crowds begin to gather around 1pm.
Look out for the most typical costume of bright satin with dangling ribbons, bells and the compulsory devil horns, and don't be surprised if you get whacked over the head with a balloon by fellow revellers!
La Vega Dominican Republic
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