Canadian Blog House was recently invited to experience the Dominican Republic at Dominican Carnival Night, part of the Dominican Gastronomic and Cultural Festival at the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel. All opinions are our own.
Authentic Dominican Republic food was on the menu. The sights and sounds of Merengue (sometimes referred to as the national dance of the Dominican Republic) were in the air. The temperature was rising as Ottawa celebrated the Dominican Republic’s Dominican Carnival Night at the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel.
A Dominican Republic Vacation
My one and only tropical vacation (so far!), happened way back in 2010 when I had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful rainforest town of Samana, on the Dominican Republic’s northeast coast.
I have many fond memories of my time in the Dominican Republic. The gorgeous lush scenery, ocean views, the food, the music, and of course, the wonderful people of this beautiful country.
So I must admit that I was quite disappointed when I was not able to attend Dominican Carnival Night. I knew I would be missing out on a great night of Dominican celebrations!
So I did the next best thing. I asked my friends Roland and Alex to attend on my behalf, and enjoy an evening of Dominican Republic food and fun.
Here’s Alex’s recap of the Dominican Gastronomic and Cultural Festival’s Dominican Carnival Night!
Tropical Dominican Carnival Night Heats Up Ottawa
Have you ever heard the names Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata or Punta Cana? You may have even visited these cities already!
From February 24th-28th, the Embassy of the Dominican Republic, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, held the Dominican Gastronomic and Cultural Festival at the Sheraton Hotel in the heart of downtown Ottawa.
This festival featured the 65th a
I’ve got to say, I came for the food but, definitely stayed for the party!
Live The Dominican Republic Tropical Experience
If you haven’t visited the Dominican Republic yet, this was your chance to live the Dominican tropical experience. Dominican Carnival Night managed to bring a bit of Caribbean heat to Ottawa’s brutal winter.
We started Dominican Carnival Night with a welcome cocktail featuring the famous – and one of my personal favorites – Brugal Rum.
Last year, during a trip to the Dominican Republic, I had a private tour at the Brugal factory in Puerto Plata. It was such an exceptional experience.
Heads up to all rum lovers out there; you must visit the Brugal factory if you’re in the area!
Got Rhythm? Dominican Carnival Night featured a live Merengue band as well as Merengue and Bachata dance lessons. The Merengue and Bachata dancers moved like no other. I wish was able to dance half as well as they did.
Of course, there were food stations – featuring more than just regular bites! Guests sampled from a Dominican menu prepared by the renowned Dominican Republic Chefs Indhira Peguero and Paulette Tejada!
I have to say that the taste of the food, and the freezing Ottawa weather, made me want to buy tickets for the next available flight to the Dominican Republic!
One lucky guest at Dominican Carnival Night had this wish granted.
In collaboration with Air Canada, this festival gave away an authentic Dominican Republic experience for two. One lucky winner, and their guest, will escape the cold and enjoy a trip to a 5-star hotel in the Dominican Republic.
Dominicans definitely knows how to host a party!
Dominican Carnival Night was a beautiful experience, and I enjoyed having the chance to learn more about Dominican culture, and meet some amazing people!
Follow photographer, Alex Provencher at Mystikopoulos Photography on Instagram @Mystikopoulos
