The Traditions of Dominican Carnaval

Lechones

The lechones represent the traditional style of Dominican carnival. These relatively simple yet beautiful masks depict pigs or ducks, crafted from clay molds covered with papier-mâché, then shined, painted, and decorated with vibrant colors.

Every lechón must know how to crack the whip and perform the traditional dance. Their movement is distinctly African in origin — as Stelvyn describes it, they move through the crowd like the Paso Fino horse, with precise, rhythmic steps that tell the story of centuries of cultural fusion.

"They move through the crowd like the Paso Fino horse" — Stelvyn Mirabal

Vejigantes

The vejigantes serve as the protectors of the people during carnival. Historically members of royalty, they carry and swing inflated cow bladders — replaced by colorful balloons in the United States — to maintain distance between the crowds and the parading comparsas.

Their role represents the deep social structure of Dominican carnival, where every character has a purpose and a history. The vejigantes ensure the safety and flow of the celebration, swinging their vibrant balloons in wide arcs as the parade processes through the streets.