Discover The Culture of The Dominican Republic

Dancing as Artform

To the Dominican people, dancing is an art. The fast-moving merengue is the country’s national dance; however the slower bachata is also very popular. Though these dance styles were once only trendy in the lower classes of society, they are well-liked today by almost everyone. Merengue is punctuated by African tom-tom beats, and is similar in spirit to the Spanish salsa.

The National Pastime

The Caribbean is known as the "Home of winter baseball," and the Dominican Republic has a long history with the sport. Baseball fields and stadiums pepper the country’s landscape, and are proof that baseball to Dominicans is a way of life, and an historic part of their country’s culture.

Colonial Influence

Many towns located in the Dominican Republic were originally founded by Spanish settlers. This colonial influence is felt in the architecture of the country. Colorfully painted wooden homes brighten the Dominican countryside, while the colonial-style architecture is prevalent in the country’s capital, as well as elsewhere throughout the Republic.

An Amber Paradise

The Dominican Republic is also home to three main spots where amber can be found. This yellow resin is a material used in jewelery, and is a popular souvenir brought home by tourists to this country.

Food and Drink

Dominican cuisine is similar to other Central and South American cooking; full of rice, fish and other seafood, as well as other meats and vegetables. Dishes are often colorful, and made with home-grown ingredients. The national drink of the Dominican Republic is rum, and the country is a world class producer of this alcohol.

With such a rich history, it’s no wonder the art and culture of this Caribbean country is so varied and vivid.