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The culture of the Dominican Republic
Everywhere in the
world there is a different language, religion customs and culture to
experience. When it comes to culture, the Dominican Republic is one
popular tourist destination where people are often fascinated by the
culture they experience on their vacation. You will find that it is hard
to define the culture because it is such a mix of
several different cultures all rolled into one.
Spanish settlers gave the country their language, the Roman Catholic faith
and a deep strain of machismo. Africans brought here as slaves brought
their own faith, inextricably bound in the dominant European offering, as
well as art and music. Even US troops left their mark - Dominicans love
baseball. Music and dance is at the heart of Dominican culture. The most
popular form is merengue, which you will hear blasted, full volume, almost
anywhere you go in the country. A tad more pastoral is baccata, Dominican
country music, with plenty of songs about heartbreak and loss. Salsa
probably makes the third favourite musical type, though you'll find plenty
of jazz, rock, hip-hop and just
about anything else that'll keep your feet moving. These people are as
happy as anyone in
the world.
The Dominican art scene is also quite healthy, thanks in no small part to
dictator Rafael Trujillo. Creative freedom was not a hallmark of his reign,
but the man did have a soft spot for painting. 'Primitive' art, which
relies less on perspective and shading and more on color and action, is
also popular.
Architecture is another important part of Dominican culture, from the
well-preserved colonial Spanish buildings of Santo Domingo, the Americas'
first European city, to the brightly colored farmhouses of the countryside.
No one ignores color and style in the Dominican Republic, which makes for
some very interesting sightseeing.
While in the Dominican Republic, remember that politeness and a polished
appearance will get you farther in just about any situation. Whining or
complaining, on the other hand, will make you look foolish and do nothing
to change your situation. These people have no tolerance for meanness.
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