If we want to see one of the most colorful carnivals of the Dominican Republic we have to move to the province of Azua, located in the South-West of the country, where the majority of the population is dedicated to agricultural activities, especially tobacco and banana plantations.
The carnival of Azua It is a tradition that comes from colonial times, these parties were celebrated during carnestolendas (three days before Ash Wednesday), however, these celebrations grew after the battle of independence on February 27, 1844, battle of Azua on March 19, 1844 and battle of the Restoration on August 16, 1865, therefore, today the carnivals are celebrated on those dates.
Like all cultural manifestations, the Azua carnival involves a social content that is expressed through song, dance, clothing and dramatization. One of these manifestations is the song “I'm dying Rebecca"Where a humble mother does not have the support or enough money to take her sick daughter to be cared for and, faced with the impotence of seeing her helpless daughter, she shouts:" Rebeca is dying. "
Otherwise it is lived with other manifestations and characters that delight the local population and tourists who enjoy the colorful clothing and dance steps of the Transvestites, the Doctor, Simonico's monkeys, Death and Africans, among others. Every year the number of visitors who enjoy more than 50 troupes not only from the region but are also accompanied by delegations from Puerto Rico, Colombia, Cuba, Brazil and Venezuela increases.
The Dance of the Masked or Dance of the Ribbons It is one of the most celebrated dances of the Azua Carnivals. The dance is made up of a group of 12 to 14 people who move rhythmically around a pole where they try to braid ribbons and later try to unbraid it. The group is generally made up of men, half of whom dress up as women, which is why it is also known as the Dance of the masked men.
Another important character are The Cojuelos Devils that according to popular expression he was thrown to the ground by the devil himself because he was a very playful demon and when he fell he injured his leg, leaving him lame or stupid. His costume is composed of a mask with large horns and a frightening face, his costume is colorful, he has a cape adorned with mirrors, bells and ribbons, in addition to wearing wide pants.
There is much to see and enjoy the famous carnivals in the Dominican Republic, but the one in Azua is special for its tradition, the effervescence of its people and the showiness of the environment that surrounds it.