Merengue originated in the 1920s in the Dominican Republic and was promoted as the country's national music and dance by dictator Rafael Trujillo. It is played using instruments like tambora, marimba, güiro and accordion and is danced at festivals, parties and celebrations. While there is no specific traditional dress, bright colors and items like sandals, blouses and skirts are commonly worn. Popular merengue artists include Elvis Crespo, Celines and Melina León.

1. By: Antonio, Javier, Leonardo, & Rafael

2. Origin/Location/Time Period
 Merengue was created by Ñico Lora, a Dominican
of Spanish descent, in the 1920s
 The original Merengue was not danced by couples, but
danced in a circle
 In the Dominican Republic it was promoted by Rafael
Trujillo, (the dictator), and became the country's
national music and dance form

3. Instruments:
 Tambora
 Marimba
 Güiro
 Accordion
 Bongos
 Congas

4. Occasions
 The Festival of Merengue
 Parties
 Celebrations
 Assorted dance events

5. Vocabulary
 Animado – Lively
 Arrastre – Dragging
 El ritmo– Rhythm
 El güiro– A scored gourd-like instrument played with
a music fork or a percussion stick
 El paso– Step
 El estilo – Style

6. Traditional Dress
 No specific dress, however traditional Dominican
Republic clothing is worn, including:
 Bright colors
 Sandals
 Blouses
 Skirts
 Long Pants
 Assorted hats

7. Popular Artists
 Elvis Crespo- a Puerto Rican-American Grammy
Award and Latin Grammy Winner, named "Elvis"
after Elvis Presley
 Celines- Considered one of the best Merengue
performers by Puerto Ricans
 Melina León – A Merengue singer and actress
 Los Principes del Merengue - The first Merengue
and Salsa band in the city of San Diego

8. Associated Dances/Cultural
Comparison
 Ballroom Dance
 Folk Dance
 Salsa
 Bachata

9. Merengue Video