January

New Year’s Day – January 1 – Public holiday

Pilgrimage to Higuey’s Basilica to honour patron saint

February

Carnival Dominicano
Independence Day – February 27

Cabarete Alegria

Carnival Dominicano begins two or three days before the Dominican Republic’s Independence Day and lasts for a few days after Independence Day. It is a great bash, which features a great number of beautiful costumes, spectacular floats, partying and dancing which has a great African flair. the residents have a great time and there is an abundance of alcoholic beverages.

April

Easter Holidays – Good Friday Easter Sunday and Easter Monday (Easter Holidays are either in late March or early April)
Marine Festival in San Cristobal -last week in April
Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange – Barcelona Bavan Convention Centre

May

Labour Day – May 1 – Public Holiday

June

Puerta Plata Windsurfing Tournament
Fishing Tournament – second week June

July

Festival del Merengue – last week in July

August

Festival del Merengue
Carnival/Restoration Day – August 15 -Public Holiday

The country’s second carnival coincides with its Restoration Day on August 15. Restoration Day is the date celebrated that the Dominican declared war on Spain. This carnival is about as entertaining as the one held in February.

October

Festival de Puerto Plata -first week in October
Puerta Plata Jazz Festival

December

Dominican Christmases
Christmas Day – December 25
Boxing Day – December 26

The Ministry of Tourism organizes the Dominican Christmases every year. These events consist of music and dancing which are performed at the Malecon and Avenida del Puerto in Santo Domingo.