Easter & Holy Week (Semana Santa) Featured in
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.
For Dominicans, Semana Santa is taken very seriously. 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 its 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.
Habichuelas con Dulce, the sweet bean dessert, is the most traditional dish of the Easter season. Dominicans usually hold the fast during this time of the year, so the meat is rarely cooked or consumed. Instead, vegetable meals like Ensalada Rusa or fish dishes are a must.
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.
