Dominicans are spontaneous and happy people who do not need much of an excuse to party. Where there are two or more Dominicans, a party may break out at any moment; some occasions, however, call for more lavish and elaborate celebrations.

Depending on their station in life Dominicans can either choose elaborate dinners with highfalutin foreign dishes, or they can go with traditional Dominican recipes. This is a guide to the traditional Dominican party.

A baptism is an occasion for family and close friends to meet and celebrate with the parents the joy of the arrival of their new child. The religious celebration is followed by a brunch, attended by the closest friends and family members. Typically some picaderas (hors d'oeuvre) are served. Some suggestions from our collection:

• Chulitos (Cassava mini-rolls)
• Croquetas de pollo (Chicken croquettes)
• Quipes (Deep fried bulgur roll)
• Bollitos de yuca (Cheese-filled cassava)
• Empanaditas / Pastelitos (Savoury pasties)

The next big occasion will come when a girl celebrates her 15th birthday. Her friends, dressed in beautiful gowns, will attend the celebration of the girl's symbolical passage into adulthood. Soft drinks for the younger ones and beer and cocktails for the grown-ups will be served. Sometime in the night there will be a buffet comprised mostly of typical Dominican dishes. The night ends with a piece of the monumental cake that has been the center of attention all night long.

Some suggestions from our collection of Dominican recipes:

• Niño envuelto (Rice cake wrapped in cabbage leaf)
• Guanimos fáciles (Corn pockets)
• Triples (Triple-layered mini-sandwich)
• Croquetas de pollo (Chicken croquettes)
• Puerco asado (Pork roast)
• Ensalada rusa ("Russian" potato salad)
• Ensalada verde (Fresh salad)

Nothing, however, will top the regal exuberance of a Dominican wedding. On this occasion, to which guests will wear their best clothes, the bride will outshine them all. Dressed like a princess from a fairy tale, she will be the center of attention, her only competition being the biggest, fanciest Bizcocho dominicano (Dominican cake) the madrina could afford. There will be picaderas, drinks and a buffet, and the party will probably end in the early hours of the next morning. It is not rare to see the bride and groom leave when the party has ended. Dominicans would not let their wedding night get in the way of a good party.

For a Traditional Dominican wedding dinner we suggest the same dishes as above.

When it comes to food Christmas' Eve and New Year's Eve are the most important dates in the Dominican calendar. We wrote a useful Christmas and New Year's Dominican dinner menu guide to these celebrations that you can also check.

But heck, we don't need an excuse! It need not be somebody's birthday, baptism or wedding, all we need is a Sancocho (7-meat hearty stew), if your means allow. For a simpler, and cheaper party the suggestions range from Asopao de mariscos (Seafood and rice pottage) to the humble Locrio de Pica-Pica (Rice and spicy sardines). Add some frías, Merengue and we'll call it a party.