Spanish
La Vega, RD.- The Vegano Carnival, in its 2026 edition, formally began on Sunday, February 1st, with a first parade in which the pride, the feeling of identity and the firm intention of the new generations to preserve their identity, their traditions and their culture were evidenced in the central streets of La Vega.
Since the departure of the first groups, in the early hours of Sunday afternoon, on a warm and extremely hot February afternoon, a large number of children and adolescents, between 2 and 15 years old, were seen parading with joy and with that energy that characterizes the "Cojuelos Devils", from La Vega and their different characters.
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The presence of children was so notorious, right in front of the carnival groups, in costume and actively participating in them, that beyond being an emotional moment because the children are in costume, they look pretty and even "coquettish", it is a clear and forceful message. It is a demonstration of how emerging generations are embracing their identity, in the search to continue preserving those characteristics, those folkloric, artistic and cultural expressions that for more than 500 years have been an essential part of the popular history of the Dominican Republic and especially of the Vegano people. At the same time, seeing so many children in costume on the first Sunday of carnival is a clear demonstration of the commitment that the parents and families of La Vega have to their carnival heritage, passing down from generation to generation that history that has made them great. It is evidence of the love for their history and the interest and commitment to continue sowing it in those who come behind, so that it continues to live and be preserved over time. And it is not only reflected in those who dress up and take to the streets with joy and passion to fill the world-famous Vegano Carnival with color, but also in those artisans, mask makers, designers and artists; in an entire industry, yes, an industry, because the Vegano Carnival is not just a parade of beautiful and colorful costumes. It is an industry that boosts the economy, that contributes to art and culture, that motivates entrepreneurship, that activates an orange economy, that puts food on the table for thousands of families and that, through that family feeling and the firm protection of its carnival, has become not only one of the most thriving carnivals in the Dominican Republic, but also in the Caribbean and throughout Latin America.
