UNESCO declared traditional Dominican merengue music and dance an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. This cultural expression has influences in Spanish, African and indigenous cultures. It was composed by the “cuatro”, guitar, Güira, and the tambourine originally. In 1870, the “cuatro” was replaced by the accordion and years later the saxophone, bass and piano were added. What’s your favorite merengue song? 💃🏻🕺 📸: @juanluisguerra #GoDomRep #MyDR #LamparaPaMisPies | GoDominican

🇩🇴🎶 Merengue – The Sound That Became a Nation Merengue, the Dominican Republic’s national music and dance, began in rural Cibao but carries African, European, and Taíno roots. Once dismissed as low-class, it was elevated by Trujillo’s regime and transformed by artists like Luis Alberti, Johnny Ventura, and Juan Luis Guerra. Its rhythm — driven by tambora, güira, and accordion — crossed borders, evolving into modern forms like Merengue Urbano. Today, it's danced at home and abroad, bridging ge