Carnaval festivities return to Puerto Plata

The Puerto Plata Carnaval will be held every Sunday in February (1, 8, 15, 22) with the final parade on Sunday, March 8.

The annual celebration features colorful taimascaros (elaborate costumes incorporating Spanish, African, Taíno and Dominican culture) amid parades, dancers, floats, music and art. It all combines for lively, joyous celebration. Each celebration runs approximately 3 to 11:30 p.m. along the Malecón in Puerto Plata.

With origins dating to 1520, Dominican Carnaval is a tradition inherited from Spanish settlers.

Celebrated every Sunday of February, Carnaval parades and entertainment vary by city. In addition to Puerto Plata, festivities are held in Punta Cana, Río San Juan, Constanza, La Vega, Montecristi, Samaná, Higuey, La Romana, Santiago and Santo Domingo. La Vega is home to the most popular celebration in Dominican Republic.