At Dominican Carnival, what horned masked character carries an inflated bladder whip?

The horned masked character who carries an inflated bladder whip at Dominican Carnival is Diablo Cojuelo. Often translated as “Limping Devil,” he is one of the festival’s central figures and appears in elaborate costumes and masks.

According to a Dominican story, the mischievous devil was banished to Earth and injured his leg when he landed, which explains the character’s limp. Costumes commonly include bells, a satanic-looking suit, and a mask. The inflated animal bladder, called a vejiga, is used as a playful whip during street celebrations.

Dominican Carnival is celebrated across the country, with especially prominent festivities in La Vega and Santo Domingo. Local versions vary, and other characters include Roba la Gallina and the Guloya. The options Burlamacco and Gille belong to different carnival traditions: Burlamacco is associated with Viareggio, while Gille is a famous figure of Binche Carnival in Belgium.