Santo Domingo’s National District Mayor’s Office has implemented traffic restrictions along the Malecón waterfront in preparation for the highly anticipated DN Carnival celebrations. Effective Friday at 4:00 PM, George Washington Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic between Pasteur Street and Palo Hincado Street to facilitate event preparations.
The transportation advisory recommends motorists utilize alternate routes along Independencia Avenue and Simón Bolívar Avenue during the closure period. These measures precede the traditional carnival parade scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 3:00 PM, which promises to transform the city into a vibrant spectacle of cultural expression.
This year’s festivities will showcase an impressive assembly of more than 70 carnival troupes and individual performers, representing the rich cultural heritage of the Dominican Republic. The celebration will culminate in a grand finale concert featuring renowned artists Toño Rosario, Omega, Jandy Ventura, Sexappeal, and Steffany Constanza.
The carnival organization has collaborated closely with the Union of Carnival Performers of the National District to coordinate the event. This year’s parade carries special significance as it honors Dr. José Guillermo Mieses, affectionately known as “Pepe,” whose multifaceted contributions as a physician, athlete, folklorist, and founder of the award-winning comparsa Los Leones del Diablo have left an indelible mark on Dominican cultural traditions.
Adding to the royal symbolism of the event, Francisco Taveras Benítez has been designated King of Carnival. His lifelong dedication to carnival traditions began in childhood and evolved through his founding of the comparsa Los Diablos de Franciquito, later renamed Los Cachos de Villa Francisca.
The carnival monarchy is completed with the crowning of Santa Valdez as Carnival Queen, recognizing her substantial contributions since 2006. As founder of the African Blood troupe representing Los Pinos de Guachupita, Valdez has accumulated an impressive collection of at least 15 awards throughout her participation in the National District Carnival Parade.