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The Caribbean is possibly one of the main regions that can lay claim to being among the world's biggest party hotspots. It is famous for its various festivals, carnivals, parades and contests - in addition to its luscious beaches, laidback atmosphere and wonderful weather. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Dominican Republic, where the La Vega Carnival in the central region of the country gets everyone in the party mood every February. Originally conceived in the early 1500s to mark independence, the colourful event sees revellers dress up in their finest masks and costumes and embark on a series of parades based on the theme of good versus evil. As you might expect, the carnival results in much music, dancing, drinking and eating - which is something of a transformation for the normally quiet town of La Vega and its 60,000 residents. Of course, there is more to the Dominican Republic than the La Vega Carnival - meaning that there is plenty to do once the celebrations end. If you're staying in the central region, the nearby city of Santiago could be the perfect destination for an urban city break. Its Calle del Sol district is packed with shops, bars and restaurants and the Museo del Tabaco, which is dedicated to the art of cigar-making, is a popular attraction for tourists. For those who prefer an even bigger and busier metropolis to visit, Santo Domingo - the capital of the Dominican Republic and a top stop for many Caribbean cruise companies - is a must-see. The city is the oldest in the New World and is home to the first university, cathedral and hospital to be constructed in the Americas. As may be expected from a capital city, Santo Domingo is a haven for shopaholics and those who love a decent bar or restaurant, and offers something of a cosmopolitan atmosphere thanks to the fact that its residents hail from all manner of cultures and countries around the world. For an unforgettably colourful carnival experience combined with a relaxing holiday in the sun, the Dominican Republic is hard to beat. Virgin Holidays Cruises is the place to book Caribbean cruise holidays with a fantastic range of cruises. Virgin Holidays Cruises is here to bring the UK a fresh and exciting perspective to cruising and offer a huge choice of last minute cruises. It's about tailor making cruises to suit everyone. Whether you've cruised before and fancy yourself as a bit of a pro, or if you're new to cruises and need a little advice, Virgin Holidays Cruises' Cruise Specialists can help you to find the perfect cruise holiday.
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