Dominican Republic showcases culture and carnival at 2025 Hispanic Parade in Madrid

Madrid.- The Dominican Republic showcased its vibrant culture at the 2025 Hispanic Parade in Madrid, with a delegation of 140 participants marching from Plaza de España to Cibeles. The parade highlighted Dominican Carnival traditions, featuring iconic characters such as Los Diablos Cojuelos, Guloyas, Roba la Gallina, Calife, and Lechón de Santiago.

A centerpiece of the event was the official Dominican float, nine meters tall and adorned with lights and Caribbean palm trees. Performances by the Dominican Ballet in Europe brought merengue and bachata to the streets, blending traditional and modern costumes. Additional artistic displays included Faceless Dolls, Monumental Waves representing the Caribbean Sea, and colorful folkloric groups, emphasizing the nation’s cultural richness and identity.

Tributes were paid to Daniel Tejeda as Honorary King and Bernarda Jiménez (In Memoriam) as Honorary Queen, represented by her daughter. Dominican Ambassador to Spain Tony Raful highlighted the parade as a symbol of the historical and cultural ties between the two nations. Héctor Farías, director of the Dominican Carnival in Madrid, announced plans for the first Dominican Parade in Madrid in 2026, underscoring the diaspora’s commitment to preserving and promoting Dominican culture in Europe. The event was organized with support from the Dominican Embassy, Consulate General, and INDEX Spain.