D.R. Independence Day

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I’ve always been a sucker for these old crumbling buildings. I love the color, the layers of paint, and the fact that despite their rough outward appearance they still contain family life behind their doors.

Santo Domingo Walk

It’s only once the roofs collapse that buildings seem to cease being useful. But once upon a time somebody crafted this building, putting in the time and effort to make beautiful arches, and probably some actual stained glass.

Santo Domingo Building

We walked for miles and miles, through town and all along the malecón. It was a lovely walk, with wide pathways, playgrounds, and benches overlooking the ocean. The beaches sitting just outside the mouth of the river were pretty horrifying, though. Our seas, and our grandchildren, appear doomed.

Santo Domingo beach Beach Plastic Garbage Santo Domingo Malecon Colonial Santo Domingo

Boat kids, boat provisioning.

Bumfuzzle Provisioning

Sunrise in Santo Domingo.

Santo Domingo SunriseNo Toque Bocina

We got lucky and arrived just in time for Independence Day. With a big parade in store we headed back down to the malecón again.

Hot dogs, hot dogs, and more hot dogs. Grills lined the sidewalks, all hawking the same thing.

Hot Dog VendorSanto Domingo OceanfrontSanto Domingo Independence Day ParadeSanto Domingo Independence Day ParadeSanto Domingo Independence Day Parade

There was a large contingent of Mexican military in the parade, and the Dominicans seemed particularly happy with this, with many of them lining up to get their pictures taken with them. We talked with one of the army guys for a while, shooting the breeze about Mexico, but I was never able to fully understand why they were there as part of the D.R. Independence Day parade. Aside from the fact that both countries achieved their independence from Spain, I couldn’t figure out the modern day connection.

Santo Domingo Independence Day ParadeSanto Domingo Independence Day Parade

I suppose I’d be considered a pacifist these days, so it pains me somewhat that the entire celebration of D.R. independence was military in nature. That a tiny island nation, in 2020, maintains a military orgainization this large seems like a disturbing waste, especially considering that the worst of their history seems to be directly related to rule by terrible military dictators. Then again, it was only fifty-five years ago that the U.S. invaded the D.R. Maybe they need this large military more than I know. And hey, I’m just a visitor with only the smallest grasp of their history and political situation. Everyone seemed to be having a great time, and we were happy to enjoy the festivities along with them.

Santo Domingo Independence Day ParadeSanto Domingo Independence Day ParadeSanto Domingo Independence Day ParadeSanto Domingo Independence Day ParadeSanto Domingo Independence Day Parade

Lots of kite fliers in this plaza, and not just kids flying them above the treeline. Adults were whipping them all over the place a mile high.

Santo Domingo Kite FlyingOld Town Santo DomingoSanto Domingo Pink

The green Presidente case. Ours has traveled all over the world with us, picked up on our first sail through the D.R. and carried on top of the VW bus all over the world.

Presidente BeerSanto Domingo Old Town

Headed home after a long, fun day in Santo Domingo.

Santo Domingo Walk

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5 Comments on “D.R. Independence Day”

  1. Yes, our seas and our lands are doomed if we don’t turn the current laws and practices around soon. Hopefully even though you’re away from your country you both voted and will continue to do so. ??

    Great photos as always. ☮️

  2. Fabulous pictures. I especially like the sailboat. Sad to see the trash though it’s good to not ignore the problem. Safe travels as always.

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