Dominicans’ love of dancing was recorded as early as 1795, by the French visitor, Father Labat, who commented that:

“Dance is, in Santo Domingo, the favourite passion...”.

Singing is as much a passion as dance, with children being rocked and sung to from birth. Children grow up with singing games and even sing before starting school work.

Traditional songs include the countryside plenas, and cantos de hacha (axe songs) in the conuco (plot of land for cultivation). In the countryside, when a child dies, the baquiní is sung.

Download the Project Document in our pdf download area for more information on the life styles, music and dancing of the Dominican Republic.