# data[].attributes.body
The music of the Dominican Republic is primarily influenced by Western European music, with Sub-Saharan African and native Taino influences. The Dominican Republic is mainly known for its merengue and bachata music, both of which are the most famous styles of music in the Dominican Republic and have been exported and popularized around the world.

Merengue
Merengue is considered the national music and dance of the Dominican Republic. It has a lively, fast-paced rhythm and dance music consisting of a tempo of about 120 to 160 beats per minute. The musical instruments used in merengue indicate the Dominican Republic's triple uniqueness: the gira scraper comes from the indigenous Taino culture, the tambora drum from Africa, and the accordion from Spain.

Bachata
Bachata emerged significantly later than merengue but had about as much of an impact on the Dominican culture. It officially became a musical genre in the 1960s. While merengue has been part of the Dominican musical repertoire since the mid-19th century, it was in the 1930s that merengue became the dominant musical genre on the island.

# data[].attributes.body
Dominican Republic Cuisine

The cuisine of the Dominican Republic is a rich blend of Spanish, indigenous Taino, Middle Eastern, and African influences, with recent influences from the British West Indies and China as well.

Popular Dominican Dishes

Mangú: Mangú is a popular breakfast dish in the Dominican Republic, made from mashed plantains and often served with sautéed onions

Sancocho: Sancocho is a traditional Dominican stew typically served alongside white rice and slices of avocado.

La Bandera: La Bandera, considered the national dish of the Dominican Republic, consists of rice, red beans, meat (usually chicken or beef), and a side of salad. It is called La Bandera (Spanish for The Flag) as the rice resembles the white part of the Dominican Flag, the beans the red parts, and the meat the blue parts

Bacalao: Bacalao, a dish made from salted cod, is a common dish in the Dominican Republic and is often served with vegetables

# data[].attributes.body
Official and Other Languages

Spanish: Spanish is the official language and the most widely spoken language in the Dominican Republic, used in everyday language with African influences and foreign words from US English, as well as some neologisms and archaisms from old Spanish

Haitian Creole: Haitian Creole is spoken in the Dominican Republic due to immigrants from Haiti and their descendants

English: English is spoken, not only due to US influence but also by native Dominicans who are descendants of 19th-century American slaves. Additionally, a variety of English known as Samana English is spoken by about 12,000 inhabitants in the northeastern part of the Dominican Republic, especially those of the descendants of Black immigrants from the US known as the Samana Americans

Unique Linguistic Features

Dominican Spanish has some unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation features that set it apart from standard Spanish. The local dialect of the Dominican Republic is characterized by distinctive linguistic twists, including slang words and phrases that reflect the vibrant and expressive style of communication in the country

# data[].attributes.body
Carnaval

Every weekend in February, Dominicans celebrate Carnaval, the biggest festival of the year. During this vibrant celebration, people don traditional costumes that represent indigenous and Taino culture. One popular costume is the Diablo Cojuelo, a masked devil with spiked horns. The festivities are filled with music, dance, and colorful parades, making it a truly joyous and lively occasion

# data[].attributes.body
Religious Celebrations

Religious traditions are an integral part of Dominican culture, with Roman Catholicism being the predominant religion. Religious festivals and celebrations, such as Semana Santa (Holy Week), are important occasions that bring communities together for prayer, reflection, and commemoration

# data[].attributes.body
Sports are a central part of the culture of the Dominican Republic, and have been practiced throughout the country since the native inhabitants were living on the island.

Baseball

Baseball is the most popular sport in the Dominican Republic, with a rich history and a deep cultural significance. The country has the second-highest number of baseball players in Major League Baseball (MLB) after the United States. The Dominican Republic has produced numerous talented players who have made a significant impact in professional baseball, both domestically and internationally

Other Sports

While baseball holds a special place in Dominican sports culture, other sports are also commonly practiced. Association football (soccer) is the second most popular sport in the country, with a growing presence and following. Additionally, sports such as basketball, volleyball, swimming, and athletics are really popular too

# data[].attributes.body
The Dominican Republic has achieved notable success in the Olympic Games, winning a total of six Olympic medals, including three gold, two silver, and one bronze. Athletes such as Felix Sanchez, a hurdler, have brought home gold medals, contributing to the country's sporting achievements on the international stage

# data[].attributes.body
The traditional clothing of the Dominican Republic is a result of Spanish and African influences, with some elements inspired by the Tano population. The Tano people, the indigenous population of the island, didn't have much in the way of clothing traditions. As noted by Columbus, they mostly went naked, with only married women expected to cover themselves with a short skirt called nagua

Influence and style

The traditional Dominican fashion takes its style is from a diverse social and cultural mixing pot of French, Spanish, African, and native peoples' customs. Despite being comprised of many different cultural elements, there are few ensembles as recognizable and distinct as the traditional Creole dress; it is truly a symbol of the island of Dominica

# data[].attributes.body
The traditional clothing is inspired by what farmers used to wear to work daily and represents the hardworking culture of Dominicans. It also incorporates the colors of the Dominican flag

In modern times, traditional clothing is often seen in cultural events and dances, but it is not typically worn for daily activities. The folkloric dress is a notable example of traditional clothing, and it is often associated with cultural events and dances

In conclusion, the traditional clothing of the Dominican Republic is a unique blend of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences, representing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the country.

# data[].attributes.body
The etiquette and manners in the Dominican Republic are influenced by a mix of Spanish, African, and European customs, as well as close ties to Latin America. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Meeting Etiquette

- A handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile, is standard when meeting someone in the Dominican Republic. Maintaining eye contact is crucial as it indicates interest. It is also important to use the appropriate greeting for the time of day, such as "buenos dias," "buenas noches," or "buenas tardes" when shaking hands.

Tipping Etiquette

- Tipping is widespread in the Dominican Republic, as the average salary is low. A fair and generous tip is appreciated and can ensure good service, especially in the tourism industry. In restaurants, tipping around 10-20% is considered good etiquette. Service charges may be added to the bill automatically, so it's important to double-check before deciding whether or not to tip.

# data[].attributes.body
The architecture is a rich tapestry that reflects a complex blend of diverse cultures. The deep influence of European colonists is evident throughout the country, characterized by ornate designs and baroque structures. This style can be best observed in the capital city of Santo Domingo, which is home to the first cathedral, castle, monastery, and fortress in all of the Americas, located in the city's Colonial Zone, declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO

The indigenous peoples of the Dominican Republic, particularly the Taino population, also had a significant influence on the country's architecture. The Taino people relied heavily on materials such as mahogany and guano (dried palm tree leaf) to create crafts, artwork, furniture, and houses

In recent times, with the rise in tourism and the increasing popularity of the Dominican Republic as a Caribbean vacation destination, architects have begun to incorporate cutting-edge designs that emphasize luxury. This has turned the country into an architectural playground, with villas and buildings showcasing modern and luxurious designs

The architectural influences in the Dominican Republic are a testament to its eventful past and the diverse cultural heritage that has shaped the country's built environment. From the ornate colonial structures to the incorporation of modern luxury designs, the architecture of the Dominican Republic reflects a fascinating blend of historical and contemporary influences.