Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine January 2019 | Page 266

Punta Cana Carnival For the first time in its 11 year history, the Punta Cana Carnival parade will be extended to a two- day celebration on February 8th and 9th at the Punta Cana Village. The celebration will begin with a parade of international delegations from Aruba, Curacao, Haiti and Saint Martin, as well as a selection of the very best from the Dominican Republic. Thousands of locals and tourists from around the world will be treated to the parades which will feature more than fifteen top carnival troupes. It will be a kaleidoscope of colorful costumes and masks showcasing the country’s cultural traditions and folklore. A live concert with music styles such as Merengue, Bachata and Reggaeton marks the official end of Carnaval. COLUMBUS Lighthouse It is claimed the tomb of Christopher Columbus is located in the chapel at the center of this cross-shaped lighthouse. Whether the claim is true or not the Columbus Lighthouse is a popular attraction with tourists and a well-known sight to mariners as its dramatic lighting projects the sign of a cross into the sky which can be seen from as far as 40 miles away. ©Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism Photo Credit: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism