List of 12 public holidays in Dominican Republic for 2026, including New Year's Day, Epiphany, Our Lady of Altagracia and more.
The Dominican Republic's holiday culture is a vibrant blend of deep-seated Catholic traditions and spirited Caribbean energy, where family gatherings, festive music like Merengue, and communal feasts take center stage.
During 'Semana Santa' (Holy Week), expect heavy crowds at beaches, fully booked hotels, and significant traffic. Many local businesses close from Thursday to Sunday, and public transportation schedules may be reduced or altered.
Business slows down significantly from mid-December through the Epiphany on January 6th. It is best to avoid scheduling critical meetings during this period or during Holy Week, as decision-makers are often away on family vacations.
Visit in February to experience the colorful explosion of the Dominican Carnival. To avoid the peak holiday rush and closures, late spring (May and June) offers a calmer atmosphere with better availability.
Common greetings include '¡Feliz Navidad!' for Christmas, '¡Próspero Año Nuevo!' for the New Year, and '¡Felicidades!' which is used broadly during most festive occasions.