From Rum to Rhythms: Immersing Yourself in Dominican Republic’s Vibrant Culture
Merengue was declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016 – and the Dominican Republic is its undisputed birthplace. Christopher Columbus brought sugarcane cuttings to Hispaniola in 1493. By 1516, sugar mills were operating near La Vega and Azua. That sugarcane would eventually become rum – and rum would become a cornerstone of Dominican social life. This guide is for travelers who want to go beyond the all-inclusive walls and experience the real Dominican Republic through its two most expressive cultural pillars: rum and rhythms. You’ll learn where to taste, where to dance, and how to navigate the social rules