Merengue is a popular musical genre and dance that originated in the Dominican Republic towards the end of the 19th century. Merengue is a symbol of Dominican cultural identity. The United States occupied the Dominican Republic from 1916 to 1924. During this period, a new merengue variety commonly known as merengue 'apambichao' came about as a covert mockery of the way US occupants failed to properly master this lively Dominican dance. Tune in to our podcast to hear more about how Dominicans adapted their signature musical style as an act of resistance against their invaders!