In recognition of Dominican Independence Day on Feb. 27, the association will host a Carnaval-themed event (Feb. 28, Mojitos Pub, 12411 King George Blvd) where culture, history and a sense of belonging will be shared amongst B.C.’s growing Dominican community.
“Each municipality has its own comparsa, or performance group, with unique costumes and themes that have been preserved for generations,” Ureña explains of the celebrations in the Dominican Republic. “It’s rich in colour, music and history. We want to bring a small part of that to B.C., even if it’s just a tiny representation.”
Bring festivities abroad
In the Dominican Republic, Independence Day is widely celebrated with parades and festivities that mark the beginning of Carnaval season. Ureña adds that the community is hoping to include two Diablo Cojuelos – colourful, masked figures commonly seen in Dominican Carnaval parades.
“The costumes are handmade and bringing them to B.C. was a challenge – some even broke in transit,” she adds. “But members of the community have worked hard to restore them and bring this cultural piece to our celebration.”
Founded in 2022 by a group of Dominicans, the association was created with a shared vision of promoting their culture and preserving their heritage while embracing life in Canada. Through cultural events, film screenings and dance performances, the association works to connect the Dominican community and share its traditions with a wider audience.
“There were a lot of things we wanted to accomplish – some we’ve achieved, and some we’re still working on,” the vice-president shares, noting their desire to preserve the culture for younger generations.
The association provides year-round support to the Dominican community in B.C. through initiatives like the You Are Not Alone program, helping newcomers navigate life in Canada. Since service systems in the Dominican Republic work differently, many newcomers arrive unsure of where to begin – whether it’s securing identification, setting up healthcare or handling essential paperwork.
“We help our fellow newcomers with information on how to settle here,” Ureña says. “There are programs they can access through the province, and we guide them on getting their paperwork together.”
The association has also worked closely with Dominican tourism organizations to promote cultural awareness. Additionally, they support a local Dominican baseball team, reflecting the country’s deep-rooted connection to the sport.
“Baseball is a huge part of our history,” says Dionys Vásquez, a core member of the association. “We’re proud to have many Dominican players in the major leagues and support them during different championships.”
Addressing misconceptions
One of the biggest misconceptions about the Dominican Republic, both Ureña and Vásquez point out, is the assumption that all Dominicans look a certain way.
“Dominicans come in all shades,” Ureña explains. “We are a blend of Taino, African and Spanish heritage, and that diversity is reflected in our people.”
Despite the growing Dominican presence in the province, access to authentic Dominican food remains limited. However, Latin grocery stores have recently begun stocking more essential ingredients, such as plantains and cassava, making it easier for families to prepare Dominican meals at home.
Looking ahead, the association hopes to expand its initiatives in the upcoming years, growing the community and increasing cultural representation.
“We want to establish different committees focused on various aspects, whether it’s organizing events, supporting newcomers or promoting Dominican culture, arts and traditions,” adds Ureña.
As the community prepares for its upcoming Independence Day celebration, Ureña urges others to learn more about the Dominican Republic and its culture.
“We also want the community to know more about the entire country,” she says. “There are many other beautiful places to visit – it’s not just Punta Cana.”
For more information, see www.dominicansbc.ca
