2 - QVI Club

REPUBLIC
Cultural Capital of the Americas
Over the centuries, the Dominican Republic
has come under the rule of the Spanish,
the French, and the Haitians, and even
experienced 8 years of US occupation in
the early 20th century. The influence of
these colonialists, blended with that of the
native Indians, has created a unique identity
in every aspect of their lives, from food to
music, art, sports and religion.
Some say that Santo Domingo is the
Caribbean New York, being the city that
never sleeps. Santo Domingo is a mecca of
nightlife with trendy drinking establishments,
bars and restaurants which stay open till
two in the morning on weekends. Try the
locally produced Dominican rum which they
are well-known for!
The short occupation of the US has also
resulted in baseball being the national sport
- or national obsession - of the Dominican
Republic. Even more amazingly, the
Dominicans make up a larger percentage of
players in Major League Baseball than any
country outside North America. If you are
visiting this baseball-loving nation between
October and January, be sure to catch the
Dominican Winter League Baseball season.
It is something definitely not to be missed,
even if you are not a fan!
With the mixing of indigenous Tainos,
Spanish and African workers who worked
in the sugar cane plantations, the cuisine
on the island has become an interesting
combination of influence and spices from
the different cultures. While Santo Domingo
has a large selection of both local and
international-style restaurants, the best
way to explore the gastronomy is through
the small mom-and-pop establishments. La
bandera, the national dish, is a combination
of white rice, red beans, fried plantains,
vegetables, and some meat, usually broiled,
grilled, or fried chicken. Do take time to
indulge in the mouth-watering local fare.
Shopping in the Dominican Republic is
exciting as you will be treated with great
finds such as handmade cigars, Dominican
coffee, rum and handmade jewellery. In
Santo Domingo, check out the El Mercado
Modela market stuffed with local crafts.
For a jewellery spree, visit the Southern
Coast where you will find some of the most
intricate hand-crafted jewelry made from
semi-precious stones. Best buys include
amber jewelry and decorative pieces.
These are a national specialty; some pieces
encase insects, leaves or dew drops within
the ancient fossilized pine resin. Above all,
remember to haggle with the street vendors
on your purchases to ensure you get the
best deal.
The country is all about fun and colours!
The Dominican Carnival is one of the most
dazzling and animated festivals whereby
the locals come together in the city streets
to dance, share and delight in a celebration
of joy. Costumes worn by those who join in
the carnival differ from region to region but
often mix elements of traditional African
and European styles and fabrics. However,
most participants come dressed in diablo
conjuelo, a brightly coloured layered suit
covered with small mirrors and bells and
worn with a devil mask, usually with many
horns and teeth. The Carnival takes place
every weekend in February and nothing can
match its intensity, enthusiasm and creativity
brought together by the Dominicans.
Everywhere you are in the country, you
will be surrounded by a constant infectious
rhythm that gets your hips moving and heart
racing. ‘Merengue’ is a fast-paced, rhythmic
dance music created by the people of
Dominican Republic and is an exotic mix of
native South American, Spanish and African
rhythms. Interestingly, merengue was
once slowed down to accommodate the
Americans who couldn’t dance the difficult
steps of the music.
Not only does the Dominican Republic
have the best beaches, resorts, beautiful
people and extraordinary attractions, it also
embodies the culture of various countries to
make this a truly unique place to visit.
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