Guloyas or Buloyas from San Pedro de Macorís are part of the Dominican culture and history and they are considered as humanity cultural heritage.  The story of their origin tells that they were born from the descendant of black cocolos people who immigrated to San Pedro City from Britain islands of the Caribbean and their main characteristics is their use of masks.

Dedicated Dominican artists and composers honor this famous group through their songs as in the case of the singer-songwriter Juan Luis Guerra, in the musical video “A pedir mi mano” which shows and happy and lively representation of this Dominican colorful cultural and folkloric group.

Amont the Guloyas or Buloyas’ activities we have: several an varied dances; the most famous one is the movement of raising the knee and let it fall again to the floor, others accomplish the activity of weaving strips; they also walk and dance on stilt; everything is accomplished with folkloric music in which African music and instruments like drums and flute are relevant.

The most important characteristic of Guloyas group is undoubtedly the original costume which portrays decorated head with long and colorful peacock feathers; the costume is complimented by the capes of lively colors, colorful shinning stones and mirrors that transmit joy and dynamism to their folkloric representation.

Teofilus Chiverton is the founder of Guloyas; he’s from San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic where his picturesque and folkloric house, painted by Dominican artists is; it’s also part of Dominican Cultural Heritage.