Caribbean News
La Misa de Gallo, Roast a Pig, sip Jengibre & Sing with the Aguinaldos for a DR Christmas
#DominicanRepublic, December 20, 2023 – Christmas in the Dominican Republic is magnificent and magical and the traditions are engrained and enjoyed in a seasonal mix which caters to spirit, body and soul.
In exploring the many traditions of this joyous holiday, a few of them stand out as most intriguing customs held dear by our Latino-Caribbean friends in the DR.
Many will attend, La Misa de Gallo, translated to English, this is a Midnight Mass. The service sits significantly at the very start of the day which is remembered as the birthday of the Saviour, Jesus Christ and is also known as the Rooster’s Mass.
Legend has it, the name of this ceremony comes from the belief that a rooster crowed on the night when Jesus was born. In the Dominican Republic, one of the most popular La Misa del Gallo celebrations takes place at Cathedral de Santa Maria in Santo Domingo.
With the coming of Jesus Christ properly commemorated, holiday cheer also brings islanders to a buffet of traditional dishes. It is said, the occasion of a savior of humanity being born demands a roast of the most delicious kind and similar to the dread a turkey must feel at American Thanksgiving in November, so is the lot of pig in December in the DR.
According to Barcelo.com, “A traditional and typical dish prepared for Christmas Day is cerdo asado (roast pork). Dominicans also enjoy pasteles en hojas — banana leaves that are filled with pork, meat, chicken, or fish. And don’t forget dessert! Dominicans conclude their Christmas feasts with sweets, including pudding, jalea de batata, and turrón. And never mind eggnog. Dominicans prefer a nonalcoholic beverage known as jengibre, which has a ginger flavor that goes perfectly with an after-dinner cigar and is drunk during all the holiday festivities.”
Consummate entertainers, it is not an unusual thing to learn that Dominicans love singing Christmas carols and will unapologetically wake you out of your slumber as they do it. For those that find fancy in this popular activity and feel the joy of the holidays is worth sharing in song, you would absolutely adore the robust music emanating from this parade of people the islanders call: Aguinaldos.
Described by our friends at Barcelo.com as a casual group of family or friends or both who walk from house to house, singing with great cheer, the Aguinaldo apparently even grows as it moves.
Sure, why not, in this passionate performance of holiday songs, it also makes sense that others will add to the numbers as the singers move through neighborhoods which are cheerfully decorated in holiday lights and ornaments.
Dominicans love Christmas and its traditions and that includes decorating from as early as late October and belting out beautiful music like a favourite, “A las Arandelas” which is a traditional holiday hit in the DR about a musical instrument and the joy it brings at this special time of year.
Feliz Navidad!
With the coming of Jesus Christ properly commemorated, holiday cheer also brings islanders to a buffet of traditional dishes. It is said, the occasion of a savior of humanity being born demands a roast of the most delicious kind and similar to the dread a turkey must feel at American Thanksgiving in November, so is the lot of a pig in December in the DR.
According to Barcelo.com, “A traditional and typical dish prepared for Christmas Day is cerdo asado (roast pork). Dominicans also enjoy pasteles en hojas — banana leaves that are filled with pork, meat, chicken, or fish. And don’t forget dessert! Dominicans conclude their Christmas feasts with sweets, including pudding, jalea de batata, and turrón. And never mind eggnog. Dominicans prefer a nonalcoholic beverage known as jengibre, which has a
ginger flavor that goes perfectly with an after-dinner cigar and is drunk during all the holiday festivities.”
Consummate entertainers, it is not an unusual thing to learn that Dominicans love singing Christmas carols and will unapologetically wake you out of your slumber as they do it. For those that find fancy in this popular activity and feel the joy of the holidays is worth sharing in song, you would absolutely adore the robust music emanating from this parade of people the islanders call: Aguinaldos.
Described by our friends at Barcelo.com as a casual group of family or friends or both who walk from house to house, singing with great cheer, the Aguinaldo apparently even grows as it moves.
Sure, why not, in this passionate performance of holiday songs, it also makes sense that others will add to the numbers as the singers move through neighborhoods which are cheerfully decorated in holiday lights and ornaments.
Dominicans love Christmas and its traditions and that includes decorating from as early as late October and belting out beautiful music like a favourite, “A las Arandelas” which is a traditional holiday hit in the DR about a musical instrument and the joy it brings at this special time of year.
Feliz Navidad!
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
-
TCI News7 days agoTurks and Caicos Islands Reaffirms Status as Premier Beach and Romance Destination at World Travel Awards
-
Bahamas News5 days agoNassau Cruise Port Marks Sixth Anniversary with Exciting New Additions for Visitors and The community
-
Caribbean News5 days agoSandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
-
TCI News3 days agoVisitTCI and Potcake Place Highlight Growing Homeless Dog Crisis
-
Caribbean News1 week agoCaribbean Powerhouses to Inspire at CaribCon in the Turks and Caicos Islands