Easter & Holy Week (Semana Santa) 2024 in Dominican Republic

Holy Week in the Dominican Republic usually lasts seven days: from Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday. Like Ash Wednesday or Good Friday, each day varies in its meaning and is dedicated to different processions. Once here during the Easter break, try to immerse into the community and spend the Holy time with locals. So, let's see what to expect!

Holy Week across the country

For Dominicans, Semana Santa is very serious. Typically, it's a week to spend with family in a peaceful atmosphere away from noisy parties. Most people have days off, and shops are open on a limited schedule. However, the main streets of the city become pedestrianized and are flooded with people. Some cities, on the other hand, become celebration epicentres for people from all over the country. For example, places like Cabarete draw millions of party animals to local beach clubs with live music and top DJs performing all night long. Thus, if you prefer a more active celebration style, cities like Cabarete might be worth considering.

Traditional Easter foods

Easter is observed in the Dominican Republic with a range of traditional dishes, which reflect the nation's rich religious and gastronomic customs. Among these is "habichuelas con dulce" – a popular delicacy that consists of boiling red beans, sugar, coconut milk, evaporated milk, cinnamon, and cloves. It is served cold with raisins and tastes sweet and creamy. Savory choices like "morcilla" (a blood sausage cooked with rice, spices, and pig's blood) are also relished with main courses like "bacalao guisado" (stewed salted codfish). "Pastel en hoja," a tamale-like delicacy wrapped in banana leaves and boiled or steamed with chicken, pork, or vegetables, completes the Easter table.

The best time to visit

Because Easter falls in the spring months, it is a beautiful time to visit the Dominican Republic. The spring marks the end of the high season, but not yet the hurricane one. The average temperature ranges from +19.5°C (67°F) to +31°C (87°F). During a rainy year, there are no more than eight rainy days per month.

Temples

Dominican Republic's Easter processions and festivities are frequently staged in some of the most well-known churches and temples in the nation. The oldest church in the Americas, the Basilica church of Santa María la Menor in Santo Domingo, is a terrific example of locations, where the Easter season is celebrated with lavish processions and religious ceremonies. Another important place is the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in Higüey, a well-known pilgrimage site, attended by devoted Catholics who want to honor the Dominican Republic's patroness with special Easter Masses and processions. In addition, be sure to visit the San Felipe Apostol Church in Puerto Plata to experience colorful Easter celebrations that include religious services and processions, drawing both locals and tourists to join in the festivities.