Original: The culture and people of the Dominican Republic , like its Spanish Caribbean neighbors , is a blend of the cultures of the Spanish colonists , African slaves , and TaÃ no natives . European , African and TaÃ no cultural elements are most prominent in food , family structure , religion and music .
Simplified: The culture of the Dominican Republic , like in other Caribbean countries , is a mix of TaÃ no , African and European ( mainly Spanish ) cultures .