Dominican Republic Culture
The people of the Dominican Republic have their origins in an eclectic mix of Taino, African and European and their customs reflect this varied background. Each of these cultures has brought a different aspect to the nation and it mixes together to create color, movement and excitement. The charm and spirit of the country is embedded in its food, music and pastimes. The culture is colorful, expressive and artistic.
Even the museums seem to be alive as they reflect the vibrant culture. The museums and archeological sites bring the daring and often violent, history of the Dominican Republic alive with antiques, treasures, amazing jewels and a glimpse into the past. Culture really means excitement and adventure in the Dominican Republic.
There are differences within the population of the Dominican Republic in education, conditions and class. The wealthy and privileged are mainly of European descent and most of the poor are of African or mixed race. The upper and middle classes have access to a metropolitan lifestyle very similar to that of the cities of Europe and the United States. However, the poorer people live in a very different way. They frequently have to live without basic necessities like running water, electricity or sanitation.
<23 class="title">Religion in Dominican Republic
The cultural heritage of the early Spanish inhabitants of Dominican Republic is displayed in both the national language and the religion of the nation. 95% of the population belongs to the Roman Catholic faith. A small percentage of the population practise pure spiritism and it is also common for spiritism and Catholicism to be combined. Haiti shares the same island as the Dominican Republic and so it is not uncommon for people to practice voodoo, which originated in Haiti.
As you walk through the streets you realize that in Dominican Republic, music creates the background for everyday life. You can’t avoid hearing the music blaring from passing cars, houses, shops and restaurants. You will see colorful handmade posters hanging from telephone poles to promote a merengue (the national dance, very upbeat) or bachata (a slower dance) evening at a nightclub in the area. After dark, the people and the streets really come alive as the distinctive beat fills the night air and people flock to dance floors which are already crowded. Dancing is part of the culture here; almost a way of life; an art form in its own right. Join in with the locals and enjoy the merengue and the bachata, and maybe even salsa, jazz and latino. Visitors travel to the Dominican Republic each year for annual music festivals to join with the locals in their love of the addictive rhythms.
Like other aspects of the culture, Dominicans’ food is colorful, as varied as the landscape but simple in style. Local natural produce forms the basis of their dishes and the women take particular pride in preparing traditional food. Seafood is popular and plentiful, together with local meats, rice and vegetables. Spices and coconut add flavor and texture in the Creole tradition. Look for regional specialties as you travel around the country. Traditional food is usually served in hotel restaurants or you can venture out into the streets to sample a local restaurant for the authentic experience of Dominican culture.
The Caribbean is renowned as one of the best coffee regions in the world, particularly for the full bodied style. The Dominican Republic has a 250 year tradition or growing coffee, and over 60,000 growers who export almost one million bags of coffee a year even though most of their crop is for domestic use.
The history of the rum production dates back to the African colonists who brought sugar cane to the country. It was when they realized that when molasses was left in the sun, it fermented and could be mixed with water for a potent brew. This is rum. Dominican rum has become popular around the world and is considered among the world’s best.
Beer is brewed in Santo Domingo with Presidente being the most popular brand. The Dominicans drink their beer ice cold.
Mamajuana is a traditional drink, often called the miracle potion that is still brewed by a few families today. The concoction is a mix of herbs, leaves, roots and bark that is combined with lemon, honey and rum, gin or wine. It is said to promote good health and vitality. Wherever you travel in this exciting and vibrant country, you will get a sense of the Dominican Republic’s culture in every corner.
Even the museums seem to be alive as they reflect the vibrant culture. The museums and archeological sites bring the daring and often violent, history of the Dominican Republic alive with antiques, treasures, amazing jewels and a glimpse into the past. Culture really means excitement and adventure in the Dominican Republic.
The People of Dominican Republic
There are differences within the population of the Dominican Republic in education, conditions and class. The wealthy and privileged are mainly of European descent and most of the poor are of African or mixed race. The upper and middle classes have access to a metropolitan lifestyle very similar to that of the cities of Europe and the United States. However, the poorer people live in a very different way. They frequently have to live without basic necessities like running water, electricity or sanitation.
<23 class="title">Religion in Dominican Republic
The cultural heritage of the early Spanish inhabitants of Dominican Republic is displayed in both the national language and the religion of the nation. 95% of the population belongs to the Roman Catholic faith. A small percentage of the population practise pure spiritism and it is also common for spiritism and Catholicism to be combined. Haiti shares the same island as the Dominican Republic and so it is not uncommon for people to practice voodoo, which originated in Haiti.
Dominican Music
As you walk through the streets you realize that in Dominican Republic, music creates the background for everyday life. You can’t avoid hearing the music blaring from passing cars, houses, shops and restaurants. You will see colorful handmade posters hanging from telephone poles to promote a merengue (the national dance, very upbeat) or bachata (a slower dance) evening at a nightclub in the area. After dark, the people and the streets really come alive as the distinctive beat fills the night air and people flock to dance floors which are already crowded. Dancing is part of the culture here; almost a way of life; an art form in its own right. Join in with the locals and enjoy the merengue and the bachata, and maybe even salsa, jazz and latino. Visitors travel to the Dominican Republic each year for annual music festivals to join with the locals in their love of the addictive rhythms.
Dominican Food and Drinks
Like other aspects of the culture, Dominicans’ food is colorful, as varied as the landscape but simple in style. Local natural produce forms the basis of their dishes and the women take particular pride in preparing traditional food. Seafood is popular and plentiful, together with local meats, rice and vegetables. Spices and coconut add flavor and texture in the Creole tradition. Look for regional specialties as you travel around the country. Traditional food is usually served in hotel restaurants or you can venture out into the streets to sample a local restaurant for the authentic experience of Dominican culture.
The Caribbean is renowned as one of the best coffee regions in the world, particularly for the full bodied style. The Dominican Republic has a 250 year tradition or growing coffee, and over 60,000 growers who export almost one million bags of coffee a year even though most of their crop is for domestic use.
The history of the rum production dates back to the African colonists who brought sugar cane to the country. It was when they realized that when molasses was left in the sun, it fermented and could be mixed with water for a potent brew. This is rum. Dominican rum has become popular around the world and is considered among the world’s best.
Beer is brewed in Santo Domingo with Presidente being the most popular brand. The Dominicans drink their beer ice cold.
Mamajuana is a traditional drink, often called the miracle potion that is still brewed by a few families today. The concoction is a mix of herbs, leaves, roots and bark that is combined with lemon, honey and rum, gin or wine. It is said to promote good health and vitality. Wherever you travel in this exciting and vibrant country, you will get a sense of the Dominican Republic’s culture in every corner.
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