Dominican Carnival isn't one parade. It's a whole month: every Sunday in February, towns across the country fill with masked devils, music and crowds, and each town has its own characters. Here's how to see it in 2027.
The 2027 dates#
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Sun, February 7 | Carnival Sundays begin across the country |
| Sun, February 14 | Second Sunday |
| Sun, February 21 | Third Sunday |
| Sat, February 27 | Independence Day |
| Sun, February 28 | Last Sunday of the month |
| Late Feb or early March | National Carnival parade in Santo Domingo (date announced each year) |
Each town runs its own program, so check locally for the exact routes and times.
La Vega: the most famous#
La Vega, in the center of the country, is where most Dominicans would send you. Its diablos cojuelos — "limping devils" — wear elaborate horned masks, some worked on for months, and suits covered in bells, ribbons and mirrors. They swing vejigas, inflated bladders, at the crowd. It's part of the fun; you will get hit. Groups compete for the best costumes, and the town is packed every Sunday.
Santiago and the lechones#
In Santiago, the second city, the characters are the lechones, devils with distinctive masks from the neighbourhoods of Los Pepines and La Joya, each with its own style. More on the city: Santiago travel guide.
Santo Domingo and the national parade#
The capital hosts the national Carnival parade, usually on the Malecón, bringing together groups from across the country. It's the biggest single parade, and it comes around Independence Day: Dominican Independence Day.
The smaller ones#
- Bonao — its own devils and a strong local carnival
- Cabral (near Barahona) — the Cachúas, at Easter rather than February
- Montecristi — the toros, in bull masks
Every region does it differently, which is the best reason to go with someone from there.
How to go#
- Wear old clothes and closed shoes. The vejigas leave marks, and the streets are crowded.
- Go in the afternoon. Parades build through the day.
- Keep your phone and wallet close and agree a meeting point.
- Drink water. February is warm and you'll be standing for hours.
- From Punta Cana: La Vega is a long day trip (around three hours each way); Santo Domingo is closer.
The season#
February is also high season on the coast and whale season in Samaná: whale watching in Samaná. Month by month: the best time to visit the Dominican Republic.
With someone from the town#
Carnival is a neighbourhood thing: who's in which group, which street is best, which family is making masks. Local Friends in Santo Domingo are locals you message directly on Roavi; tell them you want to see Carnival and plan the Sunday together.
Leer en español: Carnaval dominicano 2027.
See Carnival with someone who grew up with it.
Meet Local Friends in Santo DomingoEvery big festival and holiday worldwide, month by month, with the dates: the Roavi world events calendar.
Coming from the US? The Americans in the Dominican Republic guide covers entry, money and what's different.
Still booking the trip? See cheap flights from the USA to the Caribbean.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Carnival in the Dominican Republic in 2027?
Every Sunday in February: February 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2027. The season closes around Independence Day on February 27 with a national parade in Santo Domingo, usually late February or early March; the exact date is announced each year.Where is the best Carnival in the Dominican Republic?
La Vega is the most famous, with its diablos cojuelos (limping devils) in elaborate masks. Santiago, with its lechones, is the other big one. Santo Domingo hosts the national parade, and smaller towns like Bonao, Cabral and Montecristi have their own characters.What is a diablo cojuelo?
The 'limping devil', the central character of Dominican Carnival: a costumed figure in a horned mask and bright suit covered in bells and mirrors, who swings a vejiga — an inflated bladder — at passers-by. Each town has its own version.Is Dominican Carnival safe for tourists?
The daytime parades are family events. Expect crowds, noise and a gentle smack from a vejiga. Keep your phone and wallet close, drink water, and agree a meeting point. Going with a local who knows the town makes it easier.
