Traditional carnival costumes from Dominican Republic

Dominican Carnival (Carnaval Dominicano) is the most #vibrant #celebration of Dominican #culture and identity.
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Every Sunday during the month of February, #colorful parades take place in every major city and region around the #domenicanrepublic
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Costumes, masks, and mystical characters are distinct to each area and reveal #dominican folkloric #traditions and beliefs, as diverse as the country’s population.
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Carnival in the Dominican Republic dates back to 1520, during the Spanish colonial times. Some researchers say the first #carnival took place as a celebration of a visit by Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, when inhabitants disguised themselves as Moors and Christians.
Between 1822 and 1844, the #tradition of wearing #costumes during #religious festivities almost disappeared during the Haitian occupation. But it returned immediately when the country achieved its independence on February 27, 1844. Costumes then evolved into actual carnivals, celebrated during the three days prior to Ash Wednesday.
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The main #characters were on display for 6 months in the #dominicanrepublicpavilion @expo2020dubai The most significant in Dominican #folklore are:

- El Diablo Cojuelo is carnival’s leading character. This “limping devil” wears a colorful cloaked #suit adorned with small mirrors, rattles, ribbons, and cowbells, as a #parody of Spanish medieval knights. A #mask with large horns covers the devil’s face, as he carries a round whip or vejiga - made from a cow’s dried and cured inflated bladder–and goes along the #parade route surprising distracted onlookers with a lash on their buttocks.

- Los Lechones are the city of Santiago’s main carnival character, and are also a form of limping devil. They distinguish themselves with their #masks - representing the #face of a pig, with a long snout and tall horns - and their elaborate #costume featuring a colorful, beaded romper encrusted with bells and bows. Their role is to maintain order in the streets during #carnaval festivities, which they attempt by swinging their fouet in the air.

Full article here:
https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/about-dr/carnival/

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