Dominican Republic Independence Celebration to the Rhythm of a Dominican Uproar
by georgina arias ávila
On February 25, residents of Alaska will celebrate the Independence Day of the Dominican Republic (February 27). The event is from 4pm to 6pm, at ‘The Nave’ located at 3502 Spenard Road in Anchorage. This event organized by Dominicanos Unidos en Alaska is free and open to all.
Gabriel McQueen points out that “it is an event for the whole family and representative of Dominican culture.” There are 2,645 Dominicans in Alaska according to estimates by the organization. The largest percentage of the community resides in Anchorage and Fairbanks. “We are a workforce in the area of construction, hospitality, restaurants, barbershops and beauty salons.” McQueen said.
The theme for the event will be a Dominican Carnival, which will be represented by people in iconic costumes such as Roba la Gallina, Lechón de Santiago, and Diablo Cojuelo. These costumes were donated to Dominicanos Unidos en Alaska by Danny Gómez from the Carnaval de Navarrete in the Dominican Republic.
Roba la Gallina is a popular and humorous character that shows an exaggerated bust and bottom. The presence of this character in Dominican culture dates to the Haitian occupation. El Diablo Cojuelo wears a spooky mask with sharp teeth. He is a bold and playful demon who throws balls into the audience. The costume ridicules medieval knights.
There will be musical presentations and the public will enjoy the typical dishes of the Dominican Republic. Ninetta Regalado, Mercedes Blanco, Angela Jimenez, Eusebio Martinez, and Gabriel McQueen are board members of Dominicans Unidos en Alaska.
