Come enjoy the history of the Dominican Republic at Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa!  Every Thursday night our Entertainment Team takes you on a journey through the history and culture of the Taino people, who were the original habitants of the island of Hispaniola before Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492.

Though modern depictions of Taino Indians at the time of Columbus’s arrival are of savage Indians parading around naked, the Taino were actually highly skilled at weaving cotton and clothing. Clothing, or lack thereof, was used as an identifier of class and rank within the society.

The Taino Indians lived in organized, hierarchically arranged kingdoms. Communities were divided into three social classes: the naborias, who were the working class, the nitainos or sub-chiefs and noblemen, which included the bohiques or priests and medicine men, and the Caciques or chiefs. Each Taino kingdom was ruled by a Taino Cacique, or chieftain.

At the time of Columbus’ arrival, there were an estimated three million Taino Indians inhabiting the island, however in the next 30 years their population would be reduced to 5,000. This was largely blamed on their lack of immunity to the epidemic diseases that the Spanish settlers brought with them to the island. Although the Taino presence has dwindled considerably in the Dominican Republic, it is still an important part of this country’s vibrant culture and history.

This is definitely a show you don’t want to miss! Check out some pictures below: