There are three cultures that make up Dominican culture, and it is from Los Taínos (indigenous people in the Caribbean), Los Africanos (Africans that were brought to the Dominican Republic) and Los Españoles (the Spaniards). These three cultures are all shown through Carnaval, from the masks, costumes, colors, dances, the "vejiga" or whip and so on. Although there is a lot of history between these three groups in the country, they all come together and are all celebrated in such an amazing way for a whole month every year! It is definitely an experience.
