Carnival (nationwide)
Season or date: Every weekend in February and around Independence Day
A nationwide carnival featuring vibrant costume parades and merengue and bachata performances filling the streets.
Festivals in Dominican Republic
Discover traditional festivals and celebrations of this country
Festivals
Santo Domingo Merengue Festival
Season or date: Late July
The waterfront Malecón transforms into a massive dance hall for this merengue and bachata festival.
Samaná Whale Watching Season
Season or date: January to March
An ecotourism highlight for observing humpback whale breeding.
Santo Domingo International Book Fair
Season or date: April
One of Central America's largest book fairs and cultural events.
Jarabacoa Flower Festival
Season or date: June
A flower and handicraft market held in the highland resort of Jarabacoa.
Punta Cana Jazz Festival
Season or date: November
A beach festival featuring top-tier Caribbean and North American jazz artists.
Altos de Chavón Night of Lights
Season or date: Mid-December
A Christmas event illuminating the historic stone village.
Independence Day Military Parade
Season or date: February 27
Official ceremony and military band parade celebrating the nation's founding.
La Vega's Diablo Cojuelo
Season or date: During Carnival
Traditional dance featuring devil masks wielding cow whips.
Cocofest Nagua
Season or date: October
Regional festival of cuisine and music in the coconut-producing town of Nagua.
Public holidays
- Independence Day
- Good Friday
- Constitution Day
- May Day
- Our Lady of Altagracia Day
- National Restoration Day
- Christmas