“The use of masks to symbolize spiritual, supernatural and unknown spirit world entities has been used since before recorded history. Africa tribes and Native Americans, among the many ancient peoples, used masks to either depict, get the attention of, or to hide themselves from a higher, or more spiritual being. The natives of the island, the Tainos, and the natives of the surrounding islands had their own festivities long before the arrival of the Spaniards. Their celebrations were called areitos. Mainly they were to commemorate planting and harvest times. They also honored weddings, death and other significant happenings in their lives with these celebrations. They would use body decorations, tattoos, paint, jewelry, and masks during these festivals. With the arrival of the Conquers and the African slaves they brought with them carnival celebrations evolved. The African peoples brought with them their own festivals and celebrations. These contributed the vibrant colors, and some of the traditions of making frightening masks, the musical instruments, dance and songs. They also gave a little humor to the mix by making fun of themselves and life. It was a way to escape the hardships of life. Making their existence a little easier to bear by making jest of themselves and their circumstances.”

http://www.colonialzone-dr.com/traditions-carnival.html

In the Dominican Republic, a mother and father would have a lot of girls and one boy to become the leader of the family when the parents past away. He would protect his sisters and would be leader of the family. The Dominican Republic used to be a whole island, it was ruled by the Spanish. Until the French came and took over , after about thirteen years later  the Spanish took one half of the island, which is now called the “Dominican Republic.” The French took the other half, which is now called “Haiti.”

In the Dominican Republic, they have a big festival called the masks festival. The most popular masks is the bull. The people in the parade march would wear a bull masks and some colorful clothes, the mask would be designed with beautiful detail and artistry.

In the Dominican Republic baseball is very big. So big that when a baby boy is born the parents hang a baseball mitt over the babies crib in hope of them becoming a good baseball player. Dominicans speak Spanish and some people who live near the border of Haiti also speak Creole (a mixture of French and African language).