Festivals & events

32 celebrations through the year — pick a day to see what's on.

New Year's Day (1 January · All regions · National) — National public holiday marking the start of the new year, celebrated throughout the country with festivities and family gatherings.
Epiphany (Three Kings Day) (6 January · All regions · Santo Domingo) — Religious celebration honoring the three wise men, marked by parades, gift-giving, and special pastries called rosca de reyes across the co…
Juan Pablo Duarte Foundation Day (26 January · All regions · National) — National holiday celebrating the founder of Dominican independence with parades, speeches, and civic events honoring his legacy.
Carnival Season (All February · All regions · Santo Domingo) — The most spectacular celebration in the Dominican calendar, featuring colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and live music in cities nation…
Carnival of La Vega (All February · La Vega · Central Highlands) — One of the most famous carnival celebrations in the Caribbean, known for its elaborate masks, devil characters, and vibrant street parades…
Carnival of Santo Domingo (All February · Santo Domingo · Santo Domingo) — The capital's version of carnival featuring the colorful Diablos Cojuelos (limping devils) and massive street parties along the Malecón.
Carnival of Puerto Plata (All February · Puerto Plata · North Coast) — A lively coastal carnival featuring local traditions, live merengue and bachata music, and beach-side celebrations in this northern beach t…
Carnival of Santiago (All February · Santiago · Central Highlands) — Known for its energetic Cimarrón characters and traditional Dominican carnival spirit, drawing crowds to the Cibao region.
Independence Day (27 February · All regions · National) — National public holiday celebrating Dominican independence from Haiti in 1844 with parades, flag-waving, and patriotic ceremonies.
Good Friday and Easter (All March · All regions · Santo Domingo) — Major religious holiday observed throughout the country with church services, family gatherings, and traditional Holy Week processions.
San José de Ocoa Fair (19–25 March · San José de Ocoa · Central Highlands) — Traditional agricultural fair celebrating the region's farming heritage with local crafts, produce, livestock displays, and cultural perfor…
Duarte Day (All April · All regions · Santo Domingo) — Patriotic holiday honoring Juan Pablo Duarte with civic celebrations, reenactments, and educational events about Dominican history.
Labor Day (1 May · All regions · National) — International labor day observed with parades, speeches, and gatherings celebrating workers' rights and contributions to society.
Corpus Christi (All May · All regions · Santo Domingo) — Religious celebration with processions and special masses honoring the Eucharist, observed across all Catholic communities.
Merengue Festival (All June · Juan Dolio · South Coast) — Major music festival celebrating Dominican merengue with live performances, dance competitions, and street parties in Juan Dolio and surrou…
Puerto Plata Merengue Festival (All July · Puerto Plata · North Coast) — Vibrant music festival on the north coast featuring international and Dominican merengue artists, live bands, and seaside celebrations.
Founding of San Felipe (26 July · Puerto Plata · North Coast) — Regional celebration marking the founding of Puerto Plata with parades, cultural events, and local festivities in this historic port city.
Constitution Day (16 August · All regions · National) — National holiday celebrating the Dominican Constitution with civic ceremonies, flag-waving, and patriotic events nationwide.
Restoration of Independence (16 August · All regions · National) — Holiday honoring Dominican restoration of independence from Spain in 1865 with historical reenactments and national celebrations.
Assumption of Mary (15 August · All regions · Santo Domingo) — Important religious holiday with special masses and processions across the country honoring the Virgin Mary.
Fiestas Patronales of Sosúa (All August · Sosúa · Sosúa & Cabarete) — Beach resort's patron saint festival featuring beach parties, local food, live music, and cultural celebrations in this popular tourist des…
Bacardi Rum Festival (All August · Puerto Plata · North Coast) — Celebration of Dominican rum culture with tastings, music, performances, and entertainment honoring the island's famous distillery.
Cabarete Pro Windsurfing Competition (All June · Cabarete · Sosúa & Cabarete) — International windsurfing and kiteboarding championship attracting professional athletes to this renowned water sports destination.
Dominican Merengue Festival (National) (All July · Santo Domingo · Santo Domingo) — One of the Caribbean's most important music festivals featuring world-famous merengue and Latin artists with multiple stages and all-night…
Cacao Festival (All May · Samaná Peninsula · Samaná) — Celebration of Dominican cacao production featuring chocolate tastings, artisan displays, culinary demonstrations, and local products.
All Saints Day (1 November · All regions · Santo Domingo) — Religious holiday honoring all saints with church services and family cemetery visits, observed throughout the Dominican Republic.
Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) (2 November · All regions · Santo Domingo) — Day to remember deceased loved ones with family gatherings, cemetery visits, and special foods, observed with Caribbean traditions.
Bonao Fair (All November · Bonao · Central Highlands) — Traditional agricultural and cultural fair showcasing local products, crafts, livestock, and regional entertainment in the Cibao region.
International Fishing Tournament (All November · Punta Cana · Punta Cana) — Major deep-sea fishing competition attracting international anglers to Punta Cana's world-class fishing grounds.
Whale Watching Season (All January · Samaná · Samaná) — Prime season to witness humpback whales migrating to Samaná Bay, attracting eco-tourists and marine enthusiasts worldwide.
Samaná Settlement Day (19 May · Samaná · Samaná) — Celebration of the Samaná Peninsula's unique Haitian-Dominican heritage with parades, cultural performances, and local food traditions.
Thanksgiving Day (Regional Celebration) (All November · All regions · Santo Domingo) — Informal celebration combining American and Dominican traditions with family gatherings and harvest-themed festivities.