Social Status

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Dominican social stratification is influenced by racial and economic issues. The upper class is usually comes from European ancestry and are light-skinned as opposed to the dark-skinned who are considered of lower class. The blacks come from African or Haitian decent but generally Dominicans all have European and African roots. As you can see their perception of socio-economic class is based on skin color; therefore, racism still exist as in many Spanish speaking countries.

(source: dominican-republic-holiday.com)

As stated before, the mulattoes make up the majority of the Dominican population and they are a mix of European and African ancestry. Mulattoes are considered middle class. The middle class society is divided into indio claro--those with lighter skin and indio oscuro--those with darker skin. They use the term indio because many Dominicans do not acknowledge their African roots.

Similarly to Western cultures, the middle-class Dominican population own homes, cars and love
to stay up on the latest technologies. People take pride in their appearance and identity, they usually wear clothing styles that are inspired by New York fashions. Children of middle-class societies finish their secondary education and often move on to pursing a college degree. Although the majority of its population are considered middle-class, there are areas in the country where the people live in urban slums where there is no electricity and running water.


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Social Stratification
Images:
Pride of the People
Dominican people

Symbolism

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The flag overall symbolizes patriotism and national pride formed its shapes and colors. The flag has a big white cross which is a symbol of salvation that divides it into four quadrants: red and blue. The blue area of the flag is a representation of liberty and the red part is representation of the blood of the heros who died to preserve it.

(source: allstates-flag.com)

The symbol in the center of the Dominican flag is known as the Dominican coat of arms. It has a shield with the same colors as the flag. It also has a bay laurel branch on the left and a palm frond on the right. Above the shield a blue ribbon displays the country's motto Dios (God), Patria (Fatherland), Libertad (Liberty).

At the bottom of the shield Republica Dominicana is shown on a red ribbon. In the center of the shield, flanked by three spears holding the Dominican banner and holding that is the bible with a small golden cross above it. The myth is that the bible is opened to the Gospel of John 8:32 which reads "Y la verdad os hara libre" (And the truth shall make you free).




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Symbolism
Coat of Arms
Images
Flag
Coat of Arms

Tourist Attractions

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The country is known for its food, music and dance, but most importantly for its beautiful tropical attractions.

The Dominican Republic, situated on the eastern part of the greater part of Antilles country (refers to the islands forming the greater part of the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea). It's the second largest Caribbean country after Cuba taking up two-thirds of the Hispanola Island . It's capital, Santo Dominigo is based on the country's southern coast.

Dominican Republic is split into 31 provinces and municipalities. The capital is in its own national district.

It has two large islands connected offshore called Isla Saona and Isla Beata.


(source: virtualtourist.com)



Punta Cana--located in the eastern part of the Dominican Republic, is one of the country's most attractive tourist locations. Tourist visit this more than they visit Santo Domingo. Its area is covered with sandy white beaches lined by coconut trees.

Punta Cana has a variety of places to go and pastimes like Manati Park, a popular water park, Plaza Bolera Punta Cana, a shopping center with a bowling center, there is also a shopping area called Palma real which has Hard Rock Cafe and Tony Ramas.

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Puerto Plata--like Punta Cana, this city has many tourist attractions from hotel resorts, clubs, bars, shopping plaza, and many other historic areas.

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(source: hotelmatum.com)

This area became a popular tourist destination in the late 90's because of its fine beaches, nightlife, hotel resorts, and pleasant people.

Historical Buildings and Monuments

Cathedral De Santa Maria--located in Santo Dominigo, was built in 1533 and is presently operated. It's a mix of Gothic and Renaissance inspired elements.


Colonial City- this city also located in Santo Domingo and is filled with historical sites including palaces, forts, parks, monuments and statues.


Brugal Rum Factory, Fuerte San Felipe, Samana Peninsula, Amber Museum, Boca Chica and Los Tres Ojos National Park are some of the greatest tourist attraction found in the country.

Sources:
Second Largest Caribbean Country
Punta Cana
Puerto Plata
Historical Buildings and Monuments
Historical Attractions
Photo Images:
1. Map
2. Isla Saona
3. Palma Real
4.) Punta Cana (1)
5.) Punta Cana (2)
Video
Isla Saona

Cuisine and Vegetation

The Dominican foods are rich in flavor and they incorporate dishes from other cultures (Spain, Taino and African) in their nutrients, but they make it unique to fit the country's culture. Dominican foods ha

For the most part, Dominican foods are high in starch and carbohydrates. Their national recipes are very simple to make and locally grown, which is neat because they can pick their vegetation from their gardens. Some of their vegetation include plantains, avacados, yucca, malanga, papaya, mamey, along with other fruits and vegetables.


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Plantains

(Source: lenaskitchen.wordpress.com)

Malanga

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Yucca

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Mamey

Lechosa

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Dishes

Breakfast in Dominican Republic is very heavy and consists of Mangu--a platter of mashed plantains usually accompanied with eggs, fried onions, cheese, salami.

Lunch time is the country's most important meal of the day. The diet is the native diet of "La Bandera Dominican" (the Dominican Flag) and that is rice, beans, meat, vegetables, and fried plantains to "ensure energy throughout the day."

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Sancocho- a Spanish style stew. This type of stew includes, green plantains, avacados, chicken or beef (or you can eat Sancocho preito--includes seven different types of meats).

Dinner in this culture is similar to lunch but less amounts are served.

Some of the country's popular dessert:

Tres Leche

better known as three milk cake-a spongy pastry that is soaked in three types of milks: condensed, evaporated and heavy cream which gives it its texture.

(source: sweetflavorsoftheworld.blogspot.com)

Flan

a rich custard coated with a top layer of caramel

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Other well known desserts are Bizcocho Dominicano, frio frios and rum cake among others.

Sources:
Mangu
Food and Drink
Images
Sancocho
Plantains
Malanga
Yuca
Mamey
Lechosa
Mangu
Tostones
La Bandera Dominicana
Tres Leche
Flan

Music and Dance Culture

Since the beginning of time music and dance has been an imperative part of the Dominican culture and its people.

Merengue

Music is a way Dominicans use to express emotions. They play a song based on their mood, especially Merengue-- a type of fast rhythm music that consists of 2/4 beat. In order to produce Merengue, a conjunto typico or a traditional band uses a tambora-- a two-sided drum, also known as a diatonic accordion. Along with that another instrument used to create Merengue music is a guira--a percussion instrument that sounds like a maraca.


Merengue is not just a type of music, but it's also a form of upbeat "fun" dancing. Merengue dancing is a style of partner dancing originated in Dominican Republic. This type of dance is usually danced to Merengue music.

Although Merengue was declared as the national dance in the 1930s, by then dictator Rafael Trujillo, it didn't gain its recognition until the mid-19th century. Prior to this era, Merengue was looked down upon by the upper class citizens, because it was mainly danced by the underpriviledged people in the rural areas of the country.

In the turn of the 20th century, Merengue became highly respected by everyone, regardless of socio-economic status. It was honored more because it started a revolution in ballroom dancing.

Bachata

Bachata is a slow and romantic genre of music that originated in the countryside of Dominican Republic.This style of music was and still is associated with sadness, heartbreak and amarguras or bitterness. Jose Manuel Calderon is credited to be the first to release the first bachata song, "Borracho de Amor" ( "Drunk of Love"). Bachata evolved after the death of Trujillo in the late 50's and early 60's.

It's usually performed or produced using five different instruments: Requinto or lead guitar, rhythm guitar, electric bass guitar, bongos and guira

These types of national genre of music and style of dances are never missed out in a Dominican festival, celebration, party--you name it...if music is involved you are likely to hear Merengue y Bachata.

Merengue and Bachata are not just popular or common in Quisqueya La Bella, it's made itself well known in other Latin countries including Spain.




Music and Dance Culture