By Victoria Curiel
There is nothing better than to end the year in the traditional way of our country, that is, at home with your family, Christmas eve´s dinner and brunch the next day (if your family descents from European parents) which is typical for this month of December. Christmas, also colloquially called “Pascuas” in these latitudes is one of the most important activities of Christianity, along with Easter and Pentecost. The birth anniversary of Jesus in Bethlehem is solemnly celebrated on December 25th by the Catholic and the Anglican Church and in most Orthodox Churches is also commemorated. The birth of Jesus of Nazareth celebration is called Nativity or Christmas. So, that is the reason why on Christmas Eve, December 24th starting at 12 pm, Christmas gifts are exchanged. Also, from that time on, many Christians attend worship, including the famous Midnight Mass in Catholic churches.
It is tradition in Dominican Republic to reunite intimately with family on Christmas´ eve, but new year´s eve, December 31st is celebrated differently. Some people would go out to a beach resort, into the woods in the mountains, some would take a cruise; but many would just go out dancing and partying in nightclubs, discos, in private homes, in social clubs; in short, Christmas could be different from one country to another.
Continuing with the holiday spirit, it is a treat to enjoy holiday dishes of the country, in ours, there are some that you should not miss: the roast pork, stuffed turkey, salads, especially the potato salad, rice in different versions like rice and pigeon peas, black or red beans and corn, special Christmas bread called Telera, hot pockets, plantain tamales, among other dishes.
Speaking of landmarks of Santo Domingo, let´s start with this year´s end concerts whith artists such as Johnny Ventura, Milly, Los Hermanos Rosario, and the Conjunto Quisqueya will be performing, reservations are required. These artists and their orchestras have Christmas Hits for more than 30 years, among which are: “Llegó Juanita” … and “Salsa pa´tu lechón”, Conjunto Quisqueya´s medley: “Saludos, saludos. Alegre vengo de la montaña”, “La Trulla”, “Bebo hoy y bebo mañana”, all constantly played in the season´s official radio station: “CIMA Sabor Navideño”. Then, Pericos Ripiaos will boost Christmas with typical merengues songs.
On December 19th, the Olimpic Stadium in Santo Domingo starting at 6:00 pm, sponsored by Presidente Beer, there will be a huge Christmas party-concert featuring: Marc Anthony, Pitbull, Nicky Jam, Carlos Vives and Alejandro Sanz. And another Christmas activity that surely will drag lots of people over to Altos de Chavon, will be Juan Luis Guerra and his 440´s concert, live on December 30th.
We should not conclude without our special recommendations according to taste obviously, to go out celebrate, those are: the Jet Set Club, who are famous for having a party every Monday of the year, bringing together more than two generations. El Sartén at Hostos st, the most visited bar of the Colonial Zone providing the best music and atmosphere for more than two decates and the personal attentions of music specialist and owner Mr. Johnny Curiel and his son Michael, the last founder of Grupo Bonyé. Here, I’ve waited in several occasions for the new year´s first sunrise, and I assure you that people stay put until 7:00 or 8:00 in the morning. There will be dancing to the rhythms of merengue, salsa, bolero, son, and even bachata or some 80´s rock songs to remember by.
Other recommended spots to visit are social clubs like: Naco, Santo Domingo´s Country Club, Casa de España, all with very appealing offers to their members, usually consisting of dinner, dancing and gifts exchange. The best music groups and orchestras in the country will provide the party.
Go ahead and conclude the night receiving with open arms the newe year filled with the energy of the breathtaking sunrise on the Malecón (Promenade) of Santo Domingo. Last, there is the tradition of having a good soup or stew, or a hot chocolate. Lots of energy and good vibes for 2016!
