Things To Do and Places To Visit On Your Dominican Republic Holiday

Dominican Republic does not only pride itself with its wonderful beaches. They also have great mountain ranges and national parks for those who want to experience an eco-adventure. Here are is a list of good places to visits and fun things to do on your Dominican Republic holiday escapade.

Take a Tour to the Nation's Capital
Santo Domingo is Dominican Republic's capital. You'll find many historic places and monuments in this area. Some of the places that are worth including in your itinerary are the following:

• Columbus Park
• Puerta de el Conde
• Plaza de la Cultura
• Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center
• The Presidential Palace
• Paseo de los Indios
• Centro de los Heroes

 You can also visit the colonial towns and have a peek of the country's rich past and culture.  A tour to the different cathedrals, the Alcazar de Colon, The Pantheon and Fortress Ozama would take your breath away.  To see some of the country's crafts, you can visit and shop at Mercado Modelo.

Columbus Lighthouse
Christopher Columbus reached the country in 1942. He made Santo Domingo the first capital of Spain in the new world. The remains of Christopher Columbus is said to be buried in this area. Don't forget to visit the Aquarium when going to the Columbus Lighthouse. Here, you will see Dominican's rich marine life.

Los Tres Ojos and Puerto Plata
Craving for some adventure? Take a tour of Dominican Republic's four underground lakes. 3 of the four underground lakes are inside a big cavern.  Appreciate nature by taking a tour to these lakes.

Puerto Plata, located in the North Coast, is one of the places that you should visit when you are in Dominican Republic. The Amber Museum and The Fortress of San Felipe are located in Puerto Plata. You can also experience riding the cable cars in Isabel de Torres.

Cave of Wonders
The cave of wonders has a very high archeological value as it is the first natural museum that showcases ancient art in the Antilles region.

Lake Enriquillo

Visit Lake Enriquillo at the country's south coast near the border separating Dominican Republic and Haiti. Discover the country's natural riches. In this area you will be able to see many endangered species like pink flamingos and iguanas. You can also take a dip at Las Barias and La Descubierta. Lake Enriquilo is located in Isla Cabritos National Park. They say the sulfured water of the lake can help cure some skin diseases.

Take a Tour at Cabral

Bird lovers will find the town Cabral very interesting. This is a town where you will see different bird species.  Laguna de Ricon is also located in this area.  Ride a boat and admire the wonderful lagoon. You can also visit Los Patos, the shortest river on Earth with a length of 200 meters.

You can also do an outback jeep safari, go biking on the countryside and have a helicopter tour over Puerto Plata.

There are many things you can do in Dominican Republic. Plan your trip well so you can get the best out of your Dominican Republic Holiday!

The Various Dominican Republic Holidays From July To December

All year round, the Dominicans, known as lovers of festivities, music and celebrations, have holidays that cater to culture, religion, music and everything else in between. Below are the Dominican Republic holidays that are celebrated in the country throughout the second half of the year.

July
A two-week festival begins on the third week of July and continues into the following month. It is called the Santo Domingo Meringue Festival or El Festival del Merengue de Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo is the largest city and the capital of the Dominican Republic.

The festival showcases the country's own style of music and dance – the Merengue – and practically all Merengue acts of the last couple of decades, on top of gastronomic festivals that include anything from the usual Dominican Republic fair to competitions such as Bartender of the Year Competition and Waiter's Marathon.

Just a few days before the festival, the foundation of Sociedad la Trinitaria is celebrated.

August
The highlight of this month is the celebration of the Fiesta Patria de la Restauracion or the Restoration Day. This is celebrated on the 6th of August to commemorate the country's final independence from Spain in the year 1863. Festivities are held throughout the nation although the largest are in the country's main towns, Santo Domingo and Santiago.

Two days prior to the Restoration Day, people at Salvaleón de Higüey, or simply Higüey, celebrate the Festival of the Bulls.

September
Fiestas patronales occupy the month of September. On September 14, Santisma Cruz, otherwise known as Fiestas De la Santisima Vera Cruz in Spain from where the feast came from, is celebrated in Valverde province. In La Vega, the Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes, otherwise known as Our Lady of Mercedes or Our Lady of Mercy, the Patron Saint of the country is celebrated on the 24th. It is an official non-working Dominican holiday.

The feasts in honor of Patron Saints end with one that commemorates San Miguel in Los Patos, Barahona and Vaca Gorda in Dajabon.

October
Comparable to the Merengue Festival of July, the Puerto Plata Festival is celebrated every third week of the month. This is a lively festivity that includes everything that is Dominican– food, live bands, parades, and street dances.

On October 12, the entire nation commemorates the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus on the holiday formally known as Descubrimento de America. Main celebrations are held in the Faro a Colon, at the tomb of Christopher Columbus, and at the Cathedral in Santo Domingo.

This is then followed by the festivities of Bambula, an African-derived dance, on October 24th.

November
November begins with the observation of All Saints day. Six days following this holiday, Dominicans commemorate the Constitution Day, which marks the official signing of the country's first constitution on November 6, 1844.

Six Fiestas Patronelas are celebrated on this month – Todos Los Santos in San Juan de Maguana on November 1, Santa Lucia in San Juan on November 13, Nuestra Senora de la Esperanza in Valverde and Virgen del Amparo in Barahona which both fall on November 18, Nuestra Senora de Regla in Bani on November 21, and finally, San Andres in Boca Chica on November 30.

December
What would be December without the festivities? Dominicans celebrate Christmas with a special twist on the 24th, although anticipation for the coming celebrations commences on the 1st day of the month. This month is also dedicated for the celebration of the Santa Barbara Day on the 4th.

On top of these are the various Fiestas Partonales or the feasts held in honor of the various Patron Saints in the land. These feasts vary slightly from one town to another. Celebrations differ because of the traditions surrounding the feasts and the patron saints, themselves, are not the same for every town. Nevertheless, these Dominican Republic holidays bring to the table all that is Dominican – music, parade, prayer, and dance.

The Most Important Dominican Republic Holidays

The best times of the year to visit the Dominican Republic is during one of its holidays. Doing so will give you a good taste of the nation's culture and people.

The Dominican Republic holidays are roughly divided into three – the official public holidays, the festival holidays, and the fiestas patronales. National public holidays consist of secular holidays that are recognized by the Dominican Republic as its official holidays. Usually, these are non-working holidays, thus allowing the Dominicans to celebrate as a nation.

The secular holidays are the:

- New Year's Day on January 1 (Celebrations begin on New Year's Eve)

- Three Kings or the Epiphany on January 6

- Dia de la Altagracia or Our Lady of Altagracia on January 21 (Celebrations are held in honor of the Protector and Queen of the Hearts of the Dominican People.)

- Duarte's Day on January 26 (Otherwise known as Duarte's Birthday, this celebration is held in commemoration of one of Dominican Republic's founding fathers, Juan Pablo Duarte.)

- Independence Day on February 27 (This marks the liberation of Dominican Republic from foreign rule.)

- Good Friday on April (As part of the Holy Week or 'Semana Santa', Good Friday is celebrated by
Dominicans to commemorate the death of Jesus Christ in the Cavalry.)

- Labor Day on May 1 (The nation joins the entire world in celebrating this holiday.)

- Corpus Christi, which is celebrated in June, on a Thursday (This is celebrated exactly 60 days after Easter to commemorate the institution of one of the Catholic Church's sacraments – the Holy Eucharist.)

- Restoration Day or Día de Restauración on August 16 (This holiday celebrates the freedom regained by the Dominicans after a brief period of Spanish occupation.)

- Our Lady of las Mercedes on September 4 (This is the holiday set part in honor of the nation's Patron Saint.)

- Constitution Day on November 6 (This marks the day when the first constitution of the Dominican Republic was created and adopted.)

- Christmas Day on December 25 (Although officially starting with a Christmas dinner on December 24th, the Dominicans celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ as a nation on the 25th.)

These secular holidays are mostly celebrated by the entire nation. The next set of holidays in the Dominican Republic compose mainly of regional festivals. Some of them are:

- The Cocolo Festival on January 1. This honors the African-European traditions of the Cocolo tribe who migrated to Hispaniola during the 16th century.

- The month-long festival, called the Carnaval, that is celebrated by over 100,000 nationwide.

- The week-long observance of the 'Semana Santa' in March or April. Church services are held in most towns. This coincides with the Voodo festivals held by the Haitian in the country.

- The Puerto Plata Cultural Festival that is celebrated in June. It is a 3-day long festival that is dedicated to Latin music.

- The Merengue Festival of Santo Domingo from the third week of July and generally to the 1st week of August.

- The Festival of the Bulls in Higüey on the 14th of August.

- The Jazz Festival that is widely celebrated in Cabarete and Sosua. It is usually held on the first week of October.

- The All Saints Day, which just like in the rest of the world, is held on the 1st day of November.

Finally are the Fiestas Patronales, the celebrations held in honor of the Patron Saints of the various towns , municipalities and provinces in the Dominican Republic. There are hundreds of these celebrated in one year. A handful of the most popular patronage holidays are the: San Felipe of the Puerto Plata Malecon, San Fernando of Monte Cristi, San Juan Bautista of Bani, San Antonio of Bonao and Sosua, and Saint Andrew of Boca Chica.

The Carnaval And Dominican Republic's Regional Carnaval Traditions

Long before all other Dominican Republic holidays were celebrated, the Dominicans have already developed a special type of celebration called the Carnaval. Its history stretches as far back as 1500s with a cocktail of tradition that comes from the early Christians who have settled in Hispaniola with substantial contributions from the natives of the land as well as from early African settlers.

And since then, the people of Dominican Republic have conducted some of the celebrations in the country. It is not surprising then that nowadays, centuries after the first festivities were held, the Carnaval still stands as the most eminent Dominican Republic holidays. A fact apparent because the Carnaval is the only feast that is celebrated for an entire month. To top this off, many of the feasts and festivities in the country are carvanalesque in nature.

During the month of February, different towns and municipalities conduct their own Carnavals. Each different from the next, but all equally enjoyable.

In La Vega, one of the most prominent provinces in the Dominican Republic, the very first Carnaval took place in 1520. Nowadays, La Vega is known for the liveliest and most colorful Carnaval celebrations in the entire nation. The celebration spans the entire month of February with the highlights of the feast occurring on all Sundays.

Central to the Carnaval is the traditional Carnaval character of each province. La Vega adopted a medieval devil that has been the Carnaval character of the province for the last 100 years. The Limping Devil, or as it is called in the native tongue, the 'Diablo Cojuelo', is a brilliantly colored, artistic recreation of a snake devil. It is paraded throughout the site of celebration every year.

The second largest city in the nation, Santiago, celebrates Carnaval quite differently from all other cities. For the residents of Santiago, Carnaval is a bi-annual celebration that is held both in February in time for the independence celebrations and pre-Lenten feasts and in August, on the Day of the Restoration. It is in Santiago that most battles of the restoration occurred. It has been this way since 1867.

There are two types of traditional Carnaval characters in Santiago – the Lechones (from the native roast pork called 'lechon' that was adopted by the Joyeros of the La Joya) and the Pepineros that was adopted by the Los Pepines. Like the Diablo Cojuelo, these Carnaval characters are made artistically by combining taffeta, silk, satin and decorative materials like beads, sequence, belts, and mirrored disks.

In Cotui, celebrations are what others may call, 'world upside down' events. Garbage become highly fashionable, a woman becomes a man, and fragile leaves become armors.

When it comes to tradition and colors, the Carnaval in Salcedo is second to none. The principal Carnaval character is the Diablo which takes up many different faces of animals. At the end of the celebrations, the participants rip their costumes apart to symbolize renewal.

For something that caters to all kinds of influences on the Dominican Republic's culture, the Carnaval in Puerto Plata provides the best insights. It combines the spectacle of Medieval Europe with traditional African and Taino elements.

Packing for a Dominican Republic Holiday

Packing for a trip can easily go from bad to worse. Let's face it, all of us get over excited for a trip that we end up packing half of our closet.

To avoid over- packing, it's a good idea to sit down and list all of the things that you need to bring. Keep in mind that you're only bring the things that you need and not the things that you want to bring. To make packing even easier, come up with a list of things that you will use for each day of your trip. Planning your wardrobe ahead of time would help you avoid bringing clothes that you will not use during your vacation.

Pack A Functional Wardrobe
To be functional means to be able to use your clothes in more than one occasion. Mix-matching clothes are one of the secrets to traveling light. Dominican Republic is a tropical country. Light clothing and neutral colors are pleasant to the eyes and would go well to the country's climate.

The number of items you will bring will depend on how long you will stay in the country. The number of items on the list is for a  3-day to a week trip to the country.

• Pants. 2 to 4 pairs of pants that you can easily interchange with the rest of your wardrobe are good enough. Black, white and khaki pants can easily be matched with various colored tops.

• Capris or shorts. Bring only a pair of shorts or Capri pants. Use this when you will be touring the city or going on an eco- adventure.

• Sundresses. To make packing even lighter, ladies can bring a couple of sundresses. Accessories can easily change the look of these sundresses so you can use them more than once in your trip.

• Light tops. 3 to 6 light colored tops or blouses is enough. You can wash these tops so you can use them again and match them with different pants or bottoms.

• Swimsuits and cover-up. 2 swimsuits should be enough for your trip. You can use one swimsuit while waiting for the other one to dry. You only need one cover-up, especially when you are bringing a few sundresses. A sundress can double as a cover-up.

• 2 pairs of shoes. A pair of sandals and sneakers would make walking in the city comfortable and still fashionable for the ladies.

• Poncho or lightweight jacket. Depending on the date of your visit, you might experience a few rain falls.

• Undergarments

Other Things To Bring

Once you've got your wardrobe covered, it's now time to pack your other essentials.

• Toiletries

• Your medications. Don't forget to bring the prescription from your doctor to avoid having problems in the airport or police officials.

• First aid kit

• Sun block and lip balm

• Mosquito or insect repellant

• Camera

• Country's travel guide. You can buy this when you get to Dominican Republic already.

• Spanish Dictionary. While Spanish is the official language, English is also widely used but a small dictionary might come in handy.

Have a stress-free Dominican Republic Holiday by traveling light and having all the things you need in your bag. Before leaving, make sure you've got everything listed on your list.

National Dominican Republic Holidays

Dominican Republic has no shortage of holidays. From regional fiestas patronales to national public holidays, this country boasts of a barrage of celebrations and festivities all year round. There are hundreds of holidays celebrated around the country, with each town or municipality contributing their own. But, the country, as a whole, observes only a handful of public holidays.

New Year's Day – January 1
The Dominicans join the entire world in celebrating the passing of a year and welcoming the coming of a new one. Having a penchant for fun, feasts, and festivities, the Dominicans celebrate New Year in a manner unseen in the rest of the world.

Dominicans attach a lot of beliefs in New Year. Among the most prominent is their strong belief that it brings renewal to every aspect of their lives. They take pains to clean, and even repaint, their houses so as to invite good blessings. As the clock strikes 12 on New Year's Eve, doors and windows are opened to invite good luck.

Epiphany or Three Kings' Day – January 6
Being predominantly Catholic, Dominicans observe the Epiphany with festive feasts. This day marks the visitation of the Biblical Magi (otherwise known as the Three Kings and the Three Wise Men) to Baby Jesus in Bethlehem.

Our Lady of Altagracia – January 21
Known in many different names like Our Lady of High Grace, Our Lady of Grace, and Virgen de la Altagracia, the Our Lady of Altagracia is a special day for the Dominican Republic as it commemorates the Protector and Queen of the Hearts of the Dominican People. It is celebrated every January 21 with vigils, mass and other church services, and of course, festivals. Central to the celebration is the more than 500-year old miraculous portrait of Our Lady.

Duarte's Birthday – January 26
The Dominican Republic has a long history of occupation by Spanish and Haitian rulers. Among the heroes who opposed outside rule was one of the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic, Juan Palo Duarte. In commemoration of his heroic deeds, the country celebrates the date of his birth every year.

Independence Day – February 27
Revolutions against tyrannical Spanish and Haitian rulers were attempted throughout Dominican Republic's history. It was only on February 27, 1844 when the then Dominican leaders succeeded to overthrow the Haitian government.

Good Friday – April
Like other Catholic countries, the Dominican Republic observes the 'Semana Santa' or the Holy Week. Particularly for Dominicans, Good Friday, the day when Jesus Christ died on the Cross, is commemorated although the entire week is dedicated for the Lenten season.  

Labour Day – May 1
Labour Day is a secular celebration observed in the Dominican Republic on May 1. On this day, most business establishments and schools are closed.

Corpus Christi – June (Thursday)
60 days after Easter, Dominicans celebrate the Corpus Christi or the feast that commemorates the institution of the Eucharist or the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

Restoration Day – August 16
Or Día de Restauración, commemorates the country's third independence. Although they won their independence in 1844, they were again occupied by Spanish forces in 1861. In 1863, militia forces gained victory over Spanish forces, thus leading to their liberation in 1863.

Our Lady of las Mercedes – September 24
The patron saint of the Dominican Republic, Our Lady of Mercy, has been celebrated in the country for the last 390 plus years. It is a non-working national holiday.

Constitution Day – November 6
The country first adopted its constitution on the 6th of November, 1844. This day is celebrated on the 6th of November.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – December 24 and 25
Christmas is celebrated in the Dominican Republic from the beginning of December to January 6, although proper celebrations are held only on the 24th – when families gather for the Christmas dinner – and 25th.

Making The Most Out Of Your Dominican Republic Holiday

A holiday at the Dominican Republic is, perhaps, among the most luxurious, if not enjoyable experience you could ever have in the Caribbean. With serene beaches, lovely people, and festive celebrations all year round, you will surely have fun staying at any of Dominican Republic's town. To help you make the most out of your holidays in the Dominican Republic, try following the tips below:

Know the best time to spend your vacation.
There are two climates you should be wary about when visiting the Dominican Republic. The first is the hurricane season which runs from June to November. The second is the time of the year when the temperatures could go pretty high and the humidity, very uncomfortable. If you don’t mind experiencing some strong storms or hot weather, try visiting during these time frames. Otherwise, consider visiting during the most comfortable parts of the year.

Bring plenty of sun block lotions and insect repellants.
Whether it's summer or winter, the sun is ever-present in the Dominican Republic's sky. Be sure to bring plenty of sun block lotions with you. Also, mosquitoes are notorious for ruining vacations for they can potentially cause malaria. Bring with you a lot of insect repellants.

Bring with you a Spanish-American dictionary.
The official language in the Dominican Republic is Spanish. A decent Spanish-American dictionary, therefore, comes in handy when traveling around the country. There are also areas in the country where English is not spoken or English-speaking representatives are lacking. You will have a good advantage in dealing with locals when you know a few Dominican words and phrases.

And of course…

Familiarize yourself with Dominican Republic holidays.
Dominican Republic has a barrage of holidays that offer nothing short of a spectacle. While there are hundreds of holidays that are celebrated by the entire nation, there are always those that are more enjoyable than others.

February is the month when the entire country celebrates the Carnaval – a very festive celebration that spans the entire month of February. The highlights of the celebrations happen on all Sunday afternoons. Whether your plan is to stay very long in the island or enjoy the best part of the year, you consider spending your vacation at this time of the year. It is also not a bad idea to truly enjoy the various events held in the country. nearly every town has their own Carnaval.

There are plenty of other festive occasions throughout the year such as the regional feasts held in honor of the various Patron Saints in the land and other national public holidays. There are also music festivals and patriotic holidays which could give you a feel of everything that is Dominican. Determine what type of celebration you want to participate in so you could enjoy the country's holidays better.

Perhaps the least enjoyable part of the year is during Christmas. Not only is it hot – which could get very uncomfortable if you are used to cold weather during this season – it is also considered the 'spring break' of the Dominicans. Most hotels are occupied and there aren’t much of a celebration to enjoy.

La Navidad – Christmas in the Dominican Republic

Celebrations and holidays are a big part of the culture of the Dominican Republic that if the Carnaval is celebrated the whole month of February, La Navidad lasts from October to January. This is a time for exhilarating parties, gathering together family, friends, and relatives, and enjoying life.

In the Dominican Republic, there are many holidays in the year to have a great time. Christmas time is even more delightful. Christmas is a time for big family reunions that airlines are fully booked with Dominicans returning back to their roots and celebrating the holidays in places they call home. The excitement is continuous and sustained with daily firework display that intensifies as December 25 gets closer and this continues through the New Year.

Dominicans celebrate the event unlike most people probably in the whole world. To do business during this season will not be easy. This is a time for celebration and a celebration it will be with people preoccupied with enjoying other peoples company's rather than with anything else. Parties are everywhere with whiffs of food and other festive aromas dominating the air. This is festive spirit in abundance. There is nothing like it.

The Big Bang in Action
Children of all ages ignite firecrackers of all types. Small missiles shoot in the air like crazy and people getting out of the way like mad with seldom a word of reprimand. Dominicans are used to these. They, in fact, anticipate this these are excited by all the noise that firecrackers have become synonymous with celebrations. Understandably, a feast without the boom is not complete, the bigger the bang, the bigger the grins on faces.

The Big Meal
In a predominantly Catholic country like the Dominican Republic, Noche Buena is a big part of the celebration. People even in far off areas always make it a point to go home. This is one of those days in the year where the favorite recipes of aunts and mothers are served and enjoyed with visiting relatives. This is feasting at its best. In most countries, December 25 is the main day to celebrate. In the Dominican Republic, the feasting starts towards the midnight of December 24. December 25 is a day to recover from all the food, if not a day to feast some more.

Giving Thanks
The center of all the celebration actually is the birth of Jesus Christ that is celebrated in all churches during the midnight of the 24th to the early morning of the 25th  in a mass called the 'Misa de Gallo'. The religious and the pious gather in the church very early. Expect churches to be overflowing during this day and expect the majority of churchgoers not being able to get inside the church. This is fine as displays and the general atmosphere of the celebration is just as good outside. The Dominican Republic has the first church in the Americas. The Catedral de Santa Maria remains to be the most elaborate and the largest throughout the Republic.

How to Plan a Dominican Republic Holiday Adventure

A good vacation needs good planning. To get the most out of your Dominican Republic Holiday trip and avoid problems, make sure that you have prepared for the trip at least a month before your scheduled vacation. Planning includes getting a visa or tourist card, lodging, your trip's itinerary, buying tickets and of course packing clothes.

Visa or No Visa
One of the most important things that you have to check is whether or not you need to get a visa to enter Dominican Republic. There are countries that are tied with Dominican Republic so that people coming from these countries don't need to get a visa. A tourist card is required for people in some countries to enter Dominican Republic.

If you're a citizen of any of these countries, you don't need to apply for a visa or tourist card to enter Dominican Republic.

• Argentina
• Ecuador
• Japan
• South Korea
• Uruguay
• Peru
• Israel
• Chile

Here is a list of some countries whose citizens are allowed to enter Dominican Republic for tourism purposes with a tourist card only:

• Germany
• Australia
• Bahamas
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Croatia
• Greece
• El Salvador
• United States
• Spain
• France
• UK
• Italy
• Mexico
• Russia
• Thailand
• Taiwan
• Venezuela
• Norway
• United Arab Emirates

Listed below are some countries that are required to apply for a visa before entering Dominican Republic.

• Saudi Arabia
• Cambodia
• People's Republic of China
• North Korea
• Cuba
• Philippines
• Haiti
• India
• Vietnam
• Oman

Requirements and Rules

• Decree 691-07 states that citizens of the following countries: United States, European Union, Canada and Britain can enter Dominican Republic by presenting a tourism card.

• All visitors should have a valid passport.

•People who want to enter the country for business purposes must apply for a business visa, even if you are coming from a country which allows you to enter Dominican Republic with just a tourism card. Keep in mind that this card is for tourism purposes only.

• The approval of visa application is done by the Foreign Ministry which follows the established rules and regulations of the Consular Migration Department

• To extend your stay in the country, you can apply for an extension at the Offices of the Directorate of Migration.

Once you're done fixing your visa, the next thing to do is to search for affordable travel packages to Dominican Republic. There are numerous packages that you can find online. The easiest way to get the best package is to decide on the places that you want to go. Check out the main tourist destinations of the country and choose the places that you want to visit. With these places in mind, you can easily narrow down travel agencies that offer packages to the places you've chosen.

It's always easier to travel light than go on a trip with a bulky baggage. Dominican Republic is a tropical country. It's advisable to bring light clothing and a poncho. If you're going for an eco-trip, don't forget to bring mosquito repellant and a pair of dependable sneakers.

Go to the Caribbean and have a taste of its very rich culture. Have a fun-filled Dominican Republic Holidays!

Holidays In The Dominican Republic In Reverence To The Lady Of Altagracia

The people of the Dominican Republic are known to be devout Catholics, with almost 89% of its population submitting to Roman Catholicism. They honor several patron saints, and one of them is the Our Lady of Altagracia. In fact, most Dominican Republic holidays are in respect to religion.

Dia de la Altagracia, or Altagracia Day, is a feast day and annual holiday in the Dominican Republic that is being celebrated every January 21st. It was originally held every August 15th, but was later changed to January 21st to commemorate the country’s victory over the French in 1690.

Being regarded as the first country in the New World to be evangelized by the Catholic Church, the Dominicans see the image of the Lady of Altagracia as their spiritual mother, and as the one who watches over their land. They pay homage to the Lady by celebrating its feast day with a lot of vigils, church going, singing, dancing and candle lighting in many of the towns across the country.

THE PORTRAIT

The painting depicts the Nativity scene, where it shows the Virgin Mary looking over the baby Jesus sleeping in the manger. Her radiant eyes embody the warmth and affection that a mother gives a newborn child.

She is clothed with a starred blue robe, with a white scapular tied in front that seals the garment. The Dominicans distinguish the colors that are in the Blessed Virgin’s garment as the same ones in their national flag, thus, associating their national identity with the Blessed Virgin.

HISTORY

Trusted sources say that the portrait of our Lady of Altagracia was painted towards the end of the 15th or the start of the 16th century. A school in Spain was said to have kept the image, but in 1502, the brothers Alfonso and Antonio Trejo brought it into Santo Domingo. These brothers were said to be among the first European colonizers of the island.

The brothers then moved to the city of Higuey, and they decided to hand over the image of the Lady to the parish church. Not long after, people from the island began revering the portrait of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Altagracia. The first shrine was completed in 1572 and was consecrated to the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in 1971.

A popular tale among the Dominicans exemplifies their faith on the Lady. According to the story, there was once a merchant whose daughter has wanted to have the portrait of the Our Lady of Altagracia.. Eager to give it to his daughter, the merchant searched for the portrait throughout the island of Santo Domingo, but to his dismay, he did not find it.

He continued his search, this time moving to the town of Higuey. He was still not successful. Not willing to go home to his daughter without the portrait in his hands, he spent the night in his friend’s house. As he recounts his unsuccessful journey, an old man suddenly gave him a painting and said, “This is what you are looking for.” The portrait was indeed the image of the Our Lady of Altagracia. At the crack of dawn, the old man disappeared.

The Dominicans revere the Blessed Lady as the protector of their land. Their victory against the French in 1690 was celebrated in honor of her, thus making that day in January 21st as her official feast day. If you are a devout Catholic, spending the holidays in the Dominican Republic in homage to the Blessed Lady is a spiritual experience that should never be passed up.

Holidays In The Dominican Republic – From January To June

Holidays in the Dominican Republic are as varied and as colorful as the country's history. Most revolve around religion and are celebrated with live music, festivities, and joyous parades.

January
The Dominicans kick off their year on the first day of January, like most countries around the world. They are no exception to the festivities associated with the celebrations of the coming of the New Year. What is distinct among Dominicans though is their belief that the coming of the New Year should be celebrated with new things while discarding the old.

Houses are cleaned and dusted in the days preceding the New Year. Windows and doors are also open wide, as if to invite good things to enter the homes. New brooms are also bought to replace the old ones. These are placed outside the house for the rest of the midnight and are brought inside only the next morning. In many areas in the country, the Cocolo Festival is held by street dancers and performers.

On the 6th of January, the feast of the Three Kings is celebrated. This is followed by Dominican Republic's most important religious holiday – the feast of Our Lady of Altagracia on the 21st of January. The month is ended with celebrations that honor the birthday of the man considered the architect of the country - Juan Pablo Duarte y Díez on the Duarte Day.

February
The highlight of the Dominican Republic holidays falls on the second month of the year. It is called the 'Carnival', a celebration whose history dates as far back as 1867.

Carnival is celebrated throughout the month – on all Sundays – and climaxes on the 27th of February, with the Dominican Republic Independence Day. Every town in the country add their own twist to the holiday and everyone – local and tourists alike – are invited, in fact expected, to join the grand parades, street dances, and activities in most towns.

March to April
After the festivities of the preceding month, the Dominicans prepare for the holiest week of all. During this month, 'Semana Santa' or Holy Week is celebrated starting on the Easter Sunday and ending with the Black Saturday. Christian celebrations, however, coincide with the voodoo celebrations typical of the areas where Haitian migrants live and near the country's borders.

May
The fifth month of the year begins with a holiday – the Labor Day. The Dominicans living in the San Felipe de Puerto Plata then celebrate the feast of San Felipe on the 3rd day of the month. The month is then ended with the feast in honor of San Fernando, the local Parton Saint of Monte Cristi.

June
June is marked by various celebrations in honor of the Parton Saints of different towns in the Dominican Republic. People living in San Pedro de Macoris celebrate the San Pedro Apostle de festival. On June 10, the Feast of Corpus Christi is celebrated in most towns. On the 13th of June, a religious festival held in honor of San Juan Batista is celebrated alongside the Fiesta Patronal of Sosua and Bonao – the feast of San Antonio.

On the first week of the month, Puerto Plata Cultural Festival is celebrated and on any date of the month, the three-day long Latin music festival kicks off in the Santo Domingo Olympic Stadium.

The Dominican Republic holidays continue throughout the year with celebrations from July to the last day of December.

Experience Culture and Diversity in Dominican Republic Today

Thinking of a good travel get-away? Have a Dominican Republic holiday and experience culture and life in the Caribbean.

Dominican Republic prides itself with its rich culture and tourist destinations. If you're planning to visit this great traveler's haven, make your trip more meaningful by knowing the country's background and profile. Here are some good-to-knows about Dominican Republic that will help you appreciate your travel to this country.

An Overview
Dominican Republic is in the island of Hispaniola, located in the Greater Antilles region in the Caribbean. It is a country influenced by Spanish, French, Haitian, and African cultures. Its population is very diverse, majority of which are Europeans and Africans. You would also see a number of Haitians, Asians and Americans. The official language of the country is Spanish and Castilian. English, Chinese, Italian and French are also used in different transactions especially in their popular tourist destinations. The government is a Representative Democracy and the currency they use is Dominican Peso. Majority of the population is Roman Catholic. Other religions in the country are Protestant, Seventh Day Adventist, Baptist and Mormon.

History
To appreciate a country more, it's important that you know a few things about its history.

Christopher Columbus reached the area in 1942 and put up the first permanent European settlement in the region. Santo Domingo became the capital of Dominican Republic and the first capital of Spain in the new world.  After the Spanish rule, French and the Haitian took over the country.

The country gained independence from Haitian rule in 1844. During this period, Dominican Republic faced numerous political strife and tyranny. Spain took over again in 1861. In 1865, Spain left the country after 2 years of fighting against the United States of America.

Government
The founding fathers of Dominican Republic are Juan Pablo Duarte, Ramon Matias Mella and Francisco Del Rosario Sanchez.  The country follows a Representative Democracy type of government with 3 branches, which are the executive, legislative and judicial. The president and vice-president have a 4-year term. Their government's legislature is bicameral. The senate has 32 members and the Chamber of Deputies has 178 members.

Election is held every 2 years alternating between the presidential elections and the congressional and municipal elections. Today, the president of Dominican Republic is Leonel Fernandez.

Society, Climate and Culture

Dominican Republic is a tropical country. The average temperature is 25 ° C. The coldest months are January and February while the hottest month is August.

Dominican Republic can be viewed as a melting pot of many cultures because of the mix of population in the country. Visiting the country would let you experience a blend of Spanish, French and African cultures. Dominicans love fast and lively music, which is represented very well by their music known as Merengue. They also excel and are passionate about baseball.

Eco tourism is one of the reasons that people want to visit Dominican Republic. They pride themselves with their lovely beaches and mountain ranges. Some of the most popular places in the country are the towns of Jarabacoa and Constanza, Pico Duarte, Baha de las Aguilas and Puerto Plata.

Have a Dominican Republic holiday and see for yourself what this rich country has to offer.

Experience a Dominican Republic Holiday Today

What better time to travel to a new place than on a country's holiday? Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean region.  Get to know the country's people and tradition. Live a life of festivities and fun in this culturally rich country.

Dominican Republic has a good mix of Spanish, French and African cultures. Here is a list of holidays and a first quarter year calendar of the events that you might want to look into when planning a trip to this country.

• The feast of the Epiphany this year is on January 6th. The Epiphany is one of the most important holidays in the Catholic calendar. It celebrates God coming to us in the form of his son, Jesus Christ. When you come to Dominican Republic during the feast of the Epiphany, you will experience and see how Dominicans are passionate about their beliefs and traditions.

• January 21st is the feast of Our Lady of Altagracia. This is a national holiday for Mary. If you want to go to the country on this time, don't forget to visit the largest Marian shrine in the country, located at Higuey.


• Duarte's day is held on January 26th this year. This is a very important holiday for the country. Juan Pablo Duarte is one of the founding fathers of Dominican Republic.

• February 27th is the country's Independence Day. This is a non-working national holiday. A visit to the country's capital, Santo Domingo is bound to give you a holiday full of festivities.

• Holy Week. One of the best ways to celebrate holy week is to visit Dominican Republic. Enrich your soul through its rich catholic traditions. Be a part of various events and celebrations that take place in all parts of the country.

• Restoration day, a non-working holiday, is on August 16th. On this day, the country remembers the Dominican restoration war that happened between 1863 and 1865.

• The feast of Virgen de las Mercedes is on September 24th.  According to the locals, Virgen de las Mercedes appeared to a group of Spanish soldiers when they were fighting against the Taino Indians. The Lady also had several apparitions on Santo Cerro. A church was built in the area in her honor.

• Other holidays of Dominican Republic are constitution day on November, Christmas Eve and Christmas day on December.

Aside from the country's holidays, you can also plan a trip to Dominican Republic and be part of some of this year's events.

The Laser Midwinter Regatta is held yearly and starts on January. This event marks the start of the laser regatta calendar. The National Symphony Orchestra Season runs through the whole month of January at Eduardo Brito National Theatre in Santo Domingo, the country's capital. The Humpback Whales Observation Season is a 3-month event that will be held from January 15 until March 15.

Dominican Republic has a very rich story and traditions. Plan your trip by choosing any of their holidays so you can experience   a trip full of festivities and fun.

Dominican Republic Holidays – The Fiestas Patronales

Largely influenced by Spanish culture, the Dominican Republic is a country known for its string of Fiestas Patronales. Fiestas Patronales or patronage festivals are celebrations held in honor of various saints that have been adopted by towns or municipalities. In the Dominican Republic, there are hundreds of Fiestas Patronales celebrated each year, with each month seeing the celebration of as much as 12 holidays. Every day, it seems, Dominican Republic celebrates regional Fiestas Patronales.

Most towns in the Dominican Republic have their own celebrations of their Patron Saints. Typically, the celebrations start on the Friday – approximately one week – preceding the prescribed date of the feast. The Sunday before the feast date is celebrated by parades of 'imahenes' or images of the Saints being celebrated that are usually made of wood.

On the appointed date of the feast, Dominicans gather to start the local celebration, and on some occasions national celebrations, which include the parade of the images of the saint being commemorated, the parade of street dancers and performers, live band music, prayers, gastronomic feasts, and of course, street parties. The assortment of activities varies slightly from one Patron Saint to another, and from one town to another. Apparently, although the Catholic ceremonies and services are held, the majority of the celebration is anything but very religious.

Starting the year is one of the most significant Fiesta Patronal of the Dominican Republic – the Virgen de Altagracia. It is celebrated as the most important religious day in the nation, which is participated by thousands of devoted Dominicans. In 1922, Pope Pius XI crowned the Virgen de la Altagracia as the Spiritual Mother of the country.

Legend has it that the image of Our Lady of Altagracia that was brought by two men to Hispaniola in 1502 performed a miracle that has later encouraged the early Spanish settlers to build the first church in the province called Higuey. Nowadays, thousands of pilgrims and devotees pray and visit the Basilica of Altagracia that in Higuey to show their devotion to the Virgin Mother of Christ.

Perhaps the most important Fiesta Patronal celebrated in the Dominican Republic, the feast of Our Lady of Mercy, also known as Our Lady of Mercedes and Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes, is held every 24th of September. It is a non-working holiday that commemorates the adopted Patron Saint of the Dominican people. This celebration is distinct because it is specifically celebrated by way a pilgrimage to Saint Cerro's shrine near the city of La Vega.

There are plenty of other fiestas patronales celebrated throughout the country. From the beginning of the year to the end, there is no shortage of Catholic festivities in the Dominican Republic. After all, it is a Spanish practice and has become the Domincans' practice to associate each town with a patron saint. Although the most famous include feasts that are celebrated in Santo Domingo and Higuey thanks to their distinct way of celebrating their festivities – with joyous parades and artful costumes.

Dominican Republic Holidays – The Cocolo Festival

As the entire Dominican Republic celebrate the opening of the New Year on January 1st, some Dominicans hold events that give importance to one of the dying yet very prominent traditions in the land in a feast called the Cocolo Festival.

When the wave of African immigrants moved into Hispaniola during and after the Spaniards have settled in the land, they have brought many traditions with them that now compose the fibers of the Dominicans' culture. Among the groups of ethnic immigrants was the Cocolo tribe which originated from the Bahamas and the Greater Antilles. They are largely known as the English-speaking Caribbean people who brought with them a culture that has the elements of both the European and African cultures. It is, as many people have said before, the culmination of the merging of the cultures of the African slaves and the European colonizers. Although they still have retained their political and social economic authority.

Years after they have settled in Hispaniola, the Cocolo dancing drama tradition have developed. It was, among their own educational system and religion, the most distinct expressions of their culture. It was its peak during the mid-nineteenth century. In recent times, the assimilation of the Cocolo descendants with the majority of the Dominicans have caused the disintegration of the Cocolo's culture. Although, as is apparent in some areas in the Dominican Republic, the Cocolo dancing drama tradition is still very much alive.

In its original form, the dancing drama is performed on Christmas and on Carnavals. Nowadays, it is performed only in January in San Pedro de Macoris, a province in the Dominican Republic where the Cocolos originally settled.

The Cocolo Festival features the music, dances and songs that are patterned in the tunes of the original Cocolo music. These have African and European influences which make them very unique in the Dominican Republic, if not distinct from every other music in the world.

The music, for example, is patterned after the African pace and the dances have the steps and movements particular to the African court. Although when these are dramatized, they become an entirely different art form. They become almost exclusively European because of the themes and stories adopted. Among the most typical stories performed in the Cocolo Festival is the Mumme's Play, thus the Festival has become associated with street dancers and performers called the 'Mummers'. This tells of the story about St. George and his enemy. In summary, this reflects the main theme of the Cocolo dance drama – the battle between good and evil.

Other dance dramas and games usually performed at the Cocolo Festival are the 'Guloyas' and the 'Baile del Buey'. The 'Guloyas' consist of several groups of dancers who perform a variety of dances. Among the many they showcase is the 'Dance of Stilts' which requires dancers to dance on high stilts while wearing pompous jackets. The 'Baile del Buey', meanwhile, is performed by a festival character whose main features are identified with the bull.

The Cocolo Festival, although less popular than other Dominican Republic holidays, is indeed among the nation's more important heritage. It is no wonder that UNESCO has chosen it as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Dominican Republic Holidays – The Christmas Day

Being predominantly Catholic, Christmas day takes a very special place in the Dominican Republic's holidays. Sure, there are no white Christmases or Christmas balls, but Dominicans have their special way of celebrating the centerpiece of all Christian holidays in the Caribbean.

First off, Dominicans start celebrating Christmas earlier than most people around the world. They start so early that their Christmas dinner, in fact, is held on the 24th of December, not on the traditional 25th observed by the rest of the world.

But the Christmas mood begins far earlier than that. Beginning on the first day of December, the Dominicans start playing traditional melodic Christmas tunes. Usually, groups of 2 to 4 persons play the official Dominican music, the Merengue, with the accordion, the drum and the güira to the tunes of Christmas carols, which set off anticipation for the celebrations to come.

The sense of community is very strong among Dominicans. This is why it is not surprising that informal Christmas parties, called the Aguinaldos, parties that are open for everybody and not just for a few family members are held throughout the nation. People could come from anywhere, whether they are invited or not. On most cases, people who participate in the Aguinaldos are the singing parties who, on their way to the Christmas party, have already visited a number of houses where they were either given a home-made ginger beverage called the 'jengibre' or a taste of what is served on the dinner table of the family they have visited, called 'bocadita'.

And of course, once everyone has gathered in a house where the party is set to kick off, partying, dancing, eating, and drinking begins. Beginning with traditional Dominican Republic carols, this party continues well into midnight.

The Aguinaldos have always been the typical Dominican Republic way of celebrating Christmas. These informal community parties are enjoyed in the most populated areas of the country where the sense of community is very strong.

Because most of the people in the Dominican Republic are mostly poor or middle class, the way Christmas is celebrated varies. It is very important though for every Dominican family to be together on Christmas eve and Christmas day. Both are official non-working holidays.

What would be Christmas if there are no Christmas decorations?

The Dominicans have a very distinct way of decorating their homes during Christmas. Most families have recreations of the Nativity or the Birth of Jesus Christ within their homes. These are called 'Nacimiento'. 'Charamico', the Dominican Republic's version of the Christmas tree, is the literal translation of 'dry branch'. To serve as a Christmas tree, the 'Charamico' is painted white and decorated with typical Christmas tree decors like balls, lights, and ribbons.

Dominicans also have their own special version of the European flower for Christmas called Poinsettia, which they call, 'Flor de Pascua'. Most homes also grow the 'Estrella de Natividad', literally translated as the 'Star of the Birth' of Christ.

Truly, Dominican Republic has very special ways of celebrating the festive season of Christmas.

Dominican Republic Holidays – Semana Santa

Any visitor new to the Dominican Republic will find a bewildering array of celebrations, festivities, holidays, and everything else in between. In fact, in the Dominican Republic, something fun is always happening somewhere every day of the year.

In most of the Catholic world, 'Semana Santa' or the Holy Week is a time for reflection, prayer, attrition and silence and other practices that generally encourage the faithful for time of quiet. This traditional practice has been going on for centuries at different degrees of relative silence in different Catholic countries all over.

The Dominican Republic with its own unique way of observing holidays practices, Semana Santa, a high point in Catholic worship, is celebrated in a way that only Dominicans could pull off. The general manner is very respectful, solemn, and prayerful. In fact, every tradition and method of worship is practiced and implemented by the Catholic hierarchy and observed by its people. But then again, why carry a sour countenance when this is the most important day of a people's salvation? Off to the beaches we go.

As if conditions encourage it, the weather from March to April, the week in which Semana Santa is celebrated, is ideal. For a tropical maritime nation, in fact, there is little choice other than to sulk in a corner. The water is incredibly clear, the weather is warm, there is a lot of sunshine, offices are closed, the food is great, and tourism is at its peak. Except for motorized water equipment and water sports, which the government bans during the season due to past numerous accidents, everything is perfect, which brings us to the only downside of spending Semana Santa in the island.

The beaches are packed, hotels the same. This is the Caribbean Sea and there is just that thing in the Caribbean that lures people from everywhere, in the Dominican Republic, this is more so. To top it, Dominicans love their beaches and the well-heeled can get reservations in the hotels quicker than anybody can. If the idea is to spend Semana Santa in the island, bookings are to be done very early.

Otherwise, spending Semana Santa in the Dominican Republic is by all accounts the most colorful Holy Week anyone could experience. Catholic traditions and celebrations are the same everywhere except that in with the Dominicans, there is a twist. Processions are a tradition in the church anywhere but here, you will get to chase that jerk, Judas. It all starts on a Thursday. People will be dressing up like Jews, centurions and other outlandish colorful fun costume and chase a running man rattling a tin can representing the payoff from selling Jesus. These are all for fun though. The excitement is whether Judas could elude his chasers, (many times he actually does) or not. It is a wild, colorful, and noisy event full of action and excitement.

Of course anyone who tires of that could always have rivers to ford, beaches to get the tan, hills to climb and snorkeling to do.

Dominican Republic Holidays – Only The Most Festive

Among the best ways to enjoy the Caribbean is to visit the Dominican Republic during one of its most festive holidays. Although celebrations, street parties and performances are held year round, there are particular festivities that people enjoy the most. Among them are following:

The Carnaval
On top of the serene beaches and the beautiful Dominican people, the most popular images of the Republic are composed mainly of the Mardi Gras-like festival called the Carnival.

The Carnaval is a month-long celebration that falls in February. It culminates on the last week of the month, usually on the 26th or 27th and is participated by over a hundred thousand people, local and tourists alike, in many towns nationwide. It is one of those holidays that are waited with so much anticipation as it offers not only the festivities typical of the Dominicans, but also a wide array of experiences that are meant to electrify the participants.

The Carnaval has a long history of celebration. The first Carnaval took place in 1520 in La Vega where the most spirited celebrations are held today. Other provinces, on the other hand, hold their own versions of the Carnaval. Santiago, for example, celebrates it twice in a year – one in February, another in August. In Puerto Plata, the celebrations showcase the culmination of the all the cultures found in the Dominican Republic – from African influences to European elements.

What is Carnaval without the traditional characters? Carnavals are known for producing distinct characters that are mostly medieval in features. La Vega owns the most recognizable characters in the entire nation – the 'Diablo Cojuelo' or the Limping Dragon.

The Festival del Santo Cristo de Bayaguana
With a tradition that began with the offering of a bull to the Santo Cristo for rainfall in 1604, the Festival del Santo Cristo de Bayaguana has come a long way in the Dominican Republic's culture. In the years following the first bull offering, miracles have happened that have been closely connected with the festival. Among them is the apparition of Jesus Christ to a young girl. This was said to have caused the girl's mother's vision to return.

Nowadays, although the festival remains pagan in features, it is mostly dedicated for the Catholic Church. The proceeds of the festivals are usually used in Church programs in the province.

The Festival del Santo Cristo de Bayaguana is a mixture of solemn celebrations and the Dominicans' unique way of honoring festivities. Prayers and hymns go alongside dancing, singing, and of course, feasting.

 Merengue Festival
The Dominicans take pride in their traditional musical instruments. This is why every year, from the third week of July into the first of August, they celebrate a musical festival known as the Meringue Festival

Meringue acts, musicians and performers all over the world gather in the province of Santo Domingo to showcase the true Dominican music every year.

If you are looking to truly enjoy the Dominican Republic holidays, visit the country on the days when its festivities are at their peak.

Dominican Republic Holidays – La Quinceanera

To the outside world, La Quinceanera may not be as big a celebration as other Dominican Republic holidays and they are right. This does not mean though that this is less celebratory. What makes La Quinceanera a special event is that it happens all year round, more private maybe, but just as important.

Here is why.

In many countries, when a girl reaches 16 years old, the girl has approached womanhood. celebrated, well yes, but not as grand. In Spanish influenced countries, 15 or quince is the right time. It is the transition from being a child to a marriageable age. The celebration starts with the most important component, the thanksgiving mass or the misa de accion de gracias. The thanksgiving mass closely approximates a wedding where the girl will march the aisle flanked by godparents, dressed in full length fancy dress, a matching headdress and sits on the foot of the altar conducted in her honor. As many as seven maids of honor and chamberlains form part of the entourage selected among close family and friends. At the end of the mass, commemorative favors are passed to those in attendance and the girl deposits her bouquet at the foot of the Virgin Mary.

After the mass the partying begins.

The party is as opulent as the resources of the parents allow, although several padrinos and madrinos are usually invited to sponsor the dress, the band, table favors, the venue, the bar and other multiple expenses incurred in the celebrations. Visitors to one of the Dominican Republic holidays observing or invited to these celebrations will find out often that the opulence is often so grand compared to most birthday bashes in most countries. Here we are speaking of birthday cakes with decorations to match the celebrant's dress and which might require removing the door from its hinges if the cake is to be brought inside the celebration hall.

All throughout the celebration, a raucous cumbia, salsa and banda tunes dominate. These stop only when the celebrant and her number one escort dance the obligatory waltz. Usually, when the parents are well heeled, a viaje follows the celebrations where the celebrant travels to European destinations.

Not every girl wants to celebrate her quinceanera in a spectacular fashion, in the manner that not all brides want a spectacular weeding. The tradition, though, is to please the parents and to have a celebration as much as resources allow. No matter, the purpose of the celebration is to remind the girl what the celebration is about and to remind everyone that the girl is now a woman.

If seen from the outside, the quinceanera is a celebration to advertise the daughter to possible grooms of good standing. The origin, however, is suggested to have come from ancient Aztec tribes where the community celebrates the passage from childhood to womanhood. Regardless, this rite of passage is one for those holidays and celebrations that has kept Latino culture and family firmly grounded with the community.

Dominican Republic Holidays – La Carnaval

The Carnaval is a colorful vibrant celebration in the Dominican Republic lasting the entire month of February culminating on the 26th or the 27th of the month.

This is one holiday in the Republic that is much awaited with anticipation very much like Christians counting the days 'til Christmas although in a different manner. A big part of the celebration are parades that convey in part the story of their traditions, with costumes and decorations, and electrifying upbeat music. The Carnaval holiday celebration in the Dominican Republic is one of those holidays that bring so much spectacle and fun that should never be missed. It is also one of those holidays that should be participated by every person at least once in his or her lifetime.

If the celebrations were focused mainly on the nation's capital as most holidays and celebrations are done, it could be exhausting and the visitor may be tempted to have enough after a few days of rambunctious participation. In the Dominican Republic though, while the whole nation participates, each town has traditions particular to the town or locality promoting its own twists and variations. What results is a cacophony of localized presentation that there are as many twists to the celebrations of this holiday as there are as many towns in the nation. Little wonder why this is a one-month event.

In many cultures around the world, the use of masks and costumes has been used to symbolize spirits and other spiritual entities long before recorded history. The natives of the Americas and Africa, in particular, used these symbols either to hide themselves from spiritual entities, to supplicate or to emulate them. That is how it all started.

Then, natives of the surrounding islands called Tainos practiced festivities (called Arietos) as part of wedding celebrations, to commemorate a loved one, to honor the dead, to signify important events. But mostly, these celebrations were originally done to appeal to the spirits for a bountiful harvest and productive planting.

Even then, these celebrations were very colorful as natives decorate themselves with pigments, tattoos, trinkets, masks, feathers and whatever is naturally available to them, lending it a festive colorful event instead of the traditional manner of praying to the gods for which it was originally intended. The arrival of Africans to the Island during the height of the slave trade gave the festivities added variety by bringing in and incorporating their own traditions, thereby contributing more fun to the carnaval festivities.

The arrival of the Spanish conquistadores to the Island and its subsequent Christianization added more flavor to the celebration. The Spanish priests then, recognizing that the festivities were a pagan ritual tried Christianizing the event that only made it more colorful with additional vestments, costumes and images and where the natives of the Islands incorporated Christian beliefs with native traditions.

La Carnaval, as the people of the Dominican Republic calls, is an event that evolved through time, making it more colorful and eventful than today. The original meaning may have been lost to most, but the intent to celebrate life as it happens is still depicted in every movement, music, costume and interaction with everyone, natives and visitors alike.