Masquerade at the Carnival

Comparas en el Carnaval

21 Nov 2013 | From Dario of Dominican Republic

POSTCROSSING SWAP

Here's another swap-postcard from Dario.

Carnival in the Dominican Republic is celebrated during the whole month of February, although some towns celebrate it during March, Holy Week and August. The festival usually climaxes around February 27, Dominican Independence Day.

This carnival is distinguished by its colorful costumes that symbolize many religious and traditional characters such as Calife, Guloya or the famous Diablo Cojuelo. It is celebrated in most of the island, each town adding its own twist or creating their own characters and groups. It is enjoyed by young and old throughout the country since many of the groups are created by families, companies, and friends.

My first postcard from Dominican Republic

Museo de Armas-Fortaleza Ozama

21 Nov 2013 | From Dario of Dominican Republic

POSTCROSSING SWAP

Museo de Armas-Fortaleza Ozama, or the Arm Museum Ozama Fortress, was built 1502 in Santo Domingo.This impressive fort is the oldest military structure in the New World. Until the 1970s Fortaleza Ozama served many functions, including as a military post and a prison, until it was opened to the public.

Inside the fort is The Tower of Homage, with two-meter thick walls and dozens of riflemen embrasures. And standing in the middle of the yard is a bronze statue of Gonzalo Fernandez de Oviedo, a famous historical chronicler who was put in charge of the fort and lived and died there.