In the United States, when we think about Mardi Gras, we think about New Orleans and, maybe, Rio de Janeiro. Of course, Carnival celebrations before Easter take place in a lot of countries other than the US and Brazil. Many Latin American countries celebrate a Carnival of some kind and the Dominican Republic is no exception. There, the pre-Easter festivities are called Carnaval. If you like exploring different cultures or showing up to a good party, you’ll love Carnaval.

Introduced to the Dominican Republic by the Spanish, the local Carnival celebration evolved over the years as African slaves and local natives added their own cultural quirks to the Catholic festivities. As in many Carnival celebrations, costumes are popular across the island, but the specific kind of masks worn can vary from region to region on the island. One of the most popular places to celebrate Carnaval in the Dominican Republic is in La Vega.

La Vega Carnaval celebrations have been going on, if the stories are to be believed, for more than five centuries. Of course, there’s music and food and dancing, but, if you’re in La Vega, watch out for diablo cojuelo! The “mischievous devil” will be wearing a  grotesque mask and hitting people with an inflated pig’s bladder. If that seems a bit much for you, there are also great Carnaval celebrations in Santiago, Cabral, Monte Cristi and other places. Wherever you go, the one guarantee is a good time.