February 27th: El Día de Independencia for the Dominican Republic

This Friday marks the Independence Day for the Dominican Republic.  Every Sunday in February, the Dominicans are celebrating Carnaval (pre-Lenten festivities much like Mardi Gras).  This Sunday will conclude the festivities with a parade, lots of food, drinking, and dancing.  One of the most unique things about the Carnaval are the costumes.  Those participating dress up in very colorful costumes, often wearing masks depicting devilish characters (Carnaval used to be a pagan holiday, but when Colombus and the Spanish settlers came to the island, they incorporated their religious influences into the celebrations).  Those on parade carry vejigas (inflated bull or pig bladders) to "whip" (gently) anybody who gets in their way.  Below you can watch a short clip from YouTube of the celebrations.  Then I have a few pictures at the bottom.  Enjoy!

Pictures of the Masks (las máscaras)