Tiempo para Carnaval

It's carnival time in the Dominican Republic with parades on Sundays all throughout February. One of the most outstanding of all carnivals is that held in La Vega, in the center of the Dominican Republic.

New for La Vega in 2017 is an area off-limits to the pranks of the traditional diablo cojuelo carnival characters in their devilishly looking masks and costumes. In this area, people will be kept from the revelers blasting their pig bladders on the legs of fans that may be in their way. The off-limits area runs from Calle Manlio Bobadilla (zona Presidente) near the Parque Las Palmas to Calle Comandante Jiménez Moya (Cueva Las Panitas). Fans lined up in this area can watch the diablos cojuelos, the floats and carnival characters without fear of a black and blue from a pig bladder beating.

This year, the La Vega Carnival includes live shows on Saturday evenings as of 9pm.

On Sundays, after the parade, the live concerts will be on the stages located at Avenida del Carnaval (Calle José Horacio Rodríguez). Six artists have been booked per Sunday and will be performing simultaneously from the home bases of the diablo cojuelos. The shows start at 3pm and end at 6:30pm with the last one at the Parque Las Flores with an international artist.

Other outstanding February carnivals in the Cibao take place in the nearby cities of Santiago and Bonao also during the afternoons.

Those interested in participating in the La Vega Carnival can also consider overnighting in the mountain area of Jarabacoa, about half an hour away. See lodging options at: http://dr1.com/directories/Central.Jarabacoa.html

http://carnavalvegano.do/

BONAO SPECIAL

$9 pppn includes breakfast in the DR
Rancho Wendy in Bonao, Dominican Republic

Some time ago I did a post about Bonao and Rancho Wendy. This may be a great time to check them out and experience the awesome beauty of the area.

Details: Book now for the exciting Bonao Carnival starting Feb. 3 thru Mar 2. Visit the Humpback Whales with tours starting Jan 15 thru Mar 15. If you like adventures, whitewater kayaking, flying fox (zip line), repelling, Pico Duarte climbing (the highest mountain in the Caribbean), biking, hiking, horseback riding, camping, work on a ranch, then you will like us! Rancho Wendy is committed to offering extraordinary "off-the-beaten-path" adventures that fulfill your dreams. Regular rate is $26 pppn. Offer valid from 01/08/08 to 03/15/08, is subject to availability, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. For reservations contact hotel directly at 305-851-3304 and ask for the Top Picks special. For additional hotel information, click here.

FOR ADVENTURE LOVERS

There has been much talk about alternatives to Santo Domingo. I don't know about you, but I'd rather visit different places on the island before jumping ship. The country has so much to offer other than the capitol city.

Which brings me to Bonao. It's located northwest of Santo Domingo in the central mountains. Being just over an hour from Las Americas airport it could be a day trip or an overnight adventure. If you're an outdoors person you will not be disappointed with the mountain vistas, the beautiful waterfalls and rivers and the quaint little villages in the area. Also, Bonao now has the second largest Carnaval celebration in the country.

If you want to stay a night or two, you should check out www.ranchowendy.com for accomodations and activities: hiking, horseback riding, exploring caves, barbeques, etc. The discriminating traveler will appreciate the private baths and free internet.