Every year top bands at Santo Domingo's seaside promenade, El Malecón, pump out the infectious music that is much loved by Dominicans at the Merengue Festival. Dance on the beach, in the bars, hotels and throughout the capital.
There are amateur DJs on every block and beer companies set up their own sound systems, with live bands attracting huge crowds.
Dancing is second nature to the Dominicans. Each year, the rhythms get faster and the dancers execute more complicated hip-grinding movements.
Dancing is second nature to the Dominicans. Each year, the rhythms get faster and the dancers execute more complicated hip-grinding movements.