Dominicans refer to the people, culture, and heritage associated with the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean country located on the island of Hispaniola. The term "Dominicans" can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
Dominicans can represent the Dominican Republic's citizens, who are ethnically diverse, primarily comprising people of mixed Native American (Taino) and European (Spanish) descent. Afro-Dominicans, of African heritage, also make up a significant portion of the population. The term can also encompass the Dominican diaspora, which includes individuals of Dominican descent living outside the country.
Moreover, "Dominicans" can pertain to the cultural practices, traditions, and values that have evolved over centuries within the Dominican Republic. This includes the country's vibrant music, such as merengue and bachata, its cuisine, which features a fusion of Indigenous, African, and European influences, and its religious practices, with Catholicism being the dominant faith.
Historically, "Dominicans" can refer to the members of the Dominican Order, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in the 13th century by Saint Dominic. This includes the clergy, monks, and nuns who are part of the Dominican Order and are often involved in teaching, preaching, and social outreach.
In summary, "Dominicans" can refer to the people of the Dominican Republic, their culture, the Dominican diaspora, or members of the Dominican Order, depending on the context in which the term is used.
