What is the main music genre that originates from the Dominican Republic?

The main music genre that originates from the Dominican Republic is merengue. This lively and fast-paced style of music and dance has deep cultural roots in the country and is often considered its national dance. Merengue has a distinctive rhythm and is characterized by its use of instruments such as the accordion, saxophone, and güira (a form of percussion). The genre reflects the rich history and diverse influences of the Dominican Republic, including African, Spanish, and indigenous Taino elements.

While reggaeton is popular across Latin America and has Puerto Rican origins, it does not specifically denote Dominican heritage. Samba is a Brazilian genre rooted in Afro-Brazilian culture, while calypso is associated with Trinidad and Tobago. These genres, although significant in their respective countries, do not represent the music tradition of the Dominican Republic as merengue does.