today, february 27th is dominican independence day.  on february 27th 1844, a group of men gained independence for the dominican people. back home there are usually parades and celebrations. this is also the time for the dominican carnaval, celebrated all through the month of february and it culminates on independence day. during carnaval there are parades and competitions. each town puts their own twist on carnaval making each parade different.

here is a video i found on youtube with pictures from carnaval celebrations all over the country:

and to celebrate here in new york i will be making the dominican national dish: la bandera, for dinner tonight.