The night of February 27, 1844 was when Independence from Haiti was declared in the Dominican Republic.  This is when our Carnival is celebrated.
The Dominican holiday is a day of celebration and happiness. On this day some people come out dressed up in costumes, which are very creative.  Every region has different costumes.  The people dress in bright colors, Indigenous, Indians, demons, and devil dressed in bright colors, with masks and ornaments. The masks are formed and shaped with exaggerated features, such as big eyes, noses, teeth, and many horns.  People dressed as devils and demonds often have whips or a balloon made out of pig’s bladder, to scare people.  The dresses they wear are covered with trinkets like tiny whistles, bell, small mirrors or baby dolls.
 Parades happen all over the country.  This is composed of children in school uniforms representing their schools, clubs, floats, and music.  The people come to watch and party in the streets all day and night.  Carnival is one of the many Dominican Cultural activities that had an influence in my life.