Dominican Republic, interactive 360° panoramas and virtual tours of tourist attractions and businesses
Dominican Republic ... Has it ALL!!!
There's no place quite like the Dominican Republic. That’s because its history is the result of an unlikely mixture of influences; nowhere else will you find a blending of European, African, and native Taíno Indian cultures.
These distinct cultures still drive the social identity of the people today. Every aspect of their food, music, art, sports and religion provides a unique insight into the development of their country. In a single day you can experience both ancient and modern cultures from around the globe.
Nowhere is this more evident than in their food. As a former Spanish Colony, many of its dishes carry a familiar Latin American feel. Lots of rice, beans, meat and seafood can be found in their cuisine. However, strong influences from its heritage give the meals a unique twist. Traditional Taíno dishes are still made featuring yucca, plantains, and potatoes; as well as African recipes using similar native ingredients.
The most common food on the Island is called La Bandera, or “The Flag.” It is made with meat, rice, and red beans. Making the dish distinctly Dominican, many will also serve it with friend plantains called “tostones.” As a culture that loves to eat, the meal will often continue beyond this first course. Be prepared to try boiled green plantain known as “mangú,” “pasteles en hojas,” which are wrapped turnovers cooked in banana leaves; and various casseroles, stews, and meat dishes featuring braised goat, pork and chicken rinds.
In addition to their rich culinary history, Dominicans also demonstrate their unmistakable heritage through art. The island is filled with many different types of bright and colorful artwork. Jewelry made out of amber, bone, horn and coconut husk can be found at local markets and shops, where the native Taíno influence can still be seen. In addition to jewelry, Dominican artists also use clay, porcelain, hemp, and guano to make both decorative and religious figurines.
Many of these figurines point to the religious history of the island. Its inhabitants are mostly Catholic, followed by other denominations of Christianity.
Although food and art are important parts of Dominican culture, the true life of the culture is baseball. Much more than a national pastime, baseball is a major source of national pride and identity. In fact, almost 40 percent of players in the U.S. Major League Baseball and minor leagues come from Latin America- with most of those coming from the Dominican Republic. Some of their most famous Dominican players include Pedro Martinez, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and Sammy Sosa.
As the first city founded in the Americas, the Dominican Republic’s capital city of Santo Domingo boasts an incredible collection of museums, historic sites, art and music. The Colonial City, located inside Santo Domingo, is the first city of the America’s; it features the first street, hospital, university and cathedral in the Americas. It is believed that the body of Christopher Columbus still resides on this island that he landed on hundreds of years ago.
There are many historic museums and buildings that take a unique look into Dominican culture. Among them are the Alcázar de Colon (Fortress of Colon), the Reloj de Sol (the Sun Clock) and the monasterio de los Padres Dominicos (the Monastery of the Dominican Fathers).
Much of the Dominican culture can be experienced through its inspiring museums, food, and music. However, to truly understand the depth of the Dominican People, you must experience Carnival. This annual celebration of independence spans the entire country, with each city putting on their own unique version of the festival. They fill the streets with colorful masks, music, and of course, dancing. However, Carnival didn’t always look this way. It is actually the culmination of all three cultures; native Taíno, Spanish and African. Brought together, they create a swirl of energy and culture that you can’t find anywhere else. Carnival lasts throughout the month of February, climaxing on the 27th.
Other Dominican Holidays include January 26th, the day of the patriarch Juan Pablo Duarte; March 9, the day of the patriarch Francisco del Rosario Sánchez; August 16, the Restoration of the Republic; and Constitution Day on November 6.
More informations (source): www.godominicanrepublic.com
MINISTRY OF TOURISM OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Address: Calle Cayetano Germosen, esquina avenida Gregorio Luperón
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Phone: 809-221-4660
Email: info@godominicanrepublic.com
Cluster Touristico Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic and the City of America. Its metropolitan population was 2,084,852 in 2002, and is estimated to be 3,813,214 in 2011. The city is located on the Caribbean Sea, at the mouth of the Ozama River. Founded by Bartholomew Columbus in 1496, on the east bank of the Ozama river and then moved by Nicolas de Ovando in 1502 on the west bank of the same river. Known for being the site of the first European settlement in America, and as the first seat of Spanish colonial rule in the New World. It is located within the boundaries of the National District, and the latter in turn borders the province of Santo Domingo.
Santo Domingo was called "Ciudad Trujillo" from 1936 to 1961, due to a change made by the dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina. Regained its original name in 1963 after the assassination of the tyrant. Today, Santo Domingo is the largest metropolis in the Dominican Republic, and is the most populous city in the Caribbean followed by Havana.
More informations (source): www.clusterturisticodesantodomingo.org.do
Schwarzwald, Germany
The Black Forest – heartfelt.refreshing.real.
Cuckoo clocks, Black Forest farmhouses and Black Forest gateau – the Black Forest, which is located where Germany meets France and Switzerland, is the epitome of a homely German holiday world. Yet it is also a modern cultural landscape, a huge leisure area, a Mecca for mountain-bikers and one of the largest hiking regions in Germany.
Sunny hillside vineyards alternate with green forested mountains and steep ravines with wide valleys. And 320 villages and towns, zoos, leisure parks and family parks can be found in between – with the Europa Park in Rust leading the way. Over 24,000 kilometres of hiking trails can be found in the holiday region, which spans a total of 11,100 square metres. Cyclists can enjoy a dense network of well-signposted cycle paths.
Thanks to the diverse landscape, the good cuisine, wines, beers and water, the region is considered to be "Germany's most beautiful region for connoisseurs". An excellent gourmet temple can be found in almost every town. Highly reputable Baden wines thrive on the western edge of the Black Forest; whilst outstanding health and beauty facilities also await connoisseurs. The "Wellness Stars" promise proven quality for thermal springs, hotels and medical establishments.
For more information, please visit Schwarzwald Tourismus GmbH, Habsburgerstr. 132, 79104 Freiburg, www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info