Santiago's Carnival is held every Sunday in February and is the most spectacular such celebration in the Dominican Republic. The processions are dominated by the lechones — masked figures in horned costumes whose look (Mexican-style demonic horns, sequinned tunics, exaggerated noses) is unique to the Cibao region. Each neighbourhood has its own troupe with its own costume design.
The main parade runs along Avenida del Monumento and around the Monumento itself. The grand finale on the last Sunday of February draws hundreds of thousands of locals. Hotels fill up well in advance during the season. Expect to be slapped — gently — with a vejiga at some point in the day. It is considered good luck.