Christmas isn’t complete here without a good ol’Dominican Aguinaldo! This Thursday, December 20th, as part of the Christmas program there will be two activities that compliment each other perfectly – a Maracas workshop and the Altos de Chavón Aguinaldo!
The tradition of aguinaldos consists of getting together with friends and singing Christmas carols from house to house. These are performed to the rhythm of tambora, güira, maracas, and accordion. The groups are greeted with joy by the neighbors who offer them various treats, traditionally ginger tea, hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, bread, etc. As last year, at 6pm the kids will be making and painting their own maracas at the Altos de Chavón Regional Museum of Archaeology, to be then used in the Aguinaldo around Chavón.
It is a great family activity, where the kids and their parents visit the various local businesses to bring them and their clientele some Christmas cheer singing traditional songs like “Las Arandelas”, “Alegre Vengo”, “De la montaña” and more. In return, they receive delicious treats! To end the night, Santa will be waiting for the kids at his home making it a great opportunity for them to talk to him again about their presents.
Mark your calendars and come along with your children to these activities, we guarantee you will not regret it!
* Pictures from last year’s Maracas workshop and Aguinaldo
