The 5 most iconic festivals in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a destination where natural beauty meets a rich, vibrant, deep-rooted culture.

Beyond the white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, the country offers unique experiences that resonate to the rhythm of merengue, faith, tradition and even the swing of a golf club.

At Princess Hotels Punta Cana we believe that holidays can be much more than just relaxation and sun; they can become an authentic immersion in Dominican identity.

And what better way to experience this than by participating in (or attending) some of its most iconic celebrations.

From deeply-felt religious devotions to international sporting events, these are the 5 most notable festivals and events you can experience and enjoy near our resorts in Punta Cana.

1. Dominican Carnival (February or March)

One of the most colourful and exciting events of the year, the Dominican Carnival, is celebrated in many towns and cities across the country, including Santo Domingo, La Vega and San Pedro de Macorís.

And while Punta Cana is not an official Carnival venue, Princess Hotels join in the celebration with a range of special activities designed to imbue your holiday with the festive spirit.

At this time of year, especially in February, our resorts are decked out for the festivities and we organise a full-on carnival day, when costumes, masks, traditional music, diablos cojuelos and the rhythms of drums and accordions invade the communal areas of our resorts.

In addition, once a week we organise Dominican Republic theme nights, with performances, Dominican-inspired markets, and dinners with typical Dominican dishes at our buffet, so guests can experience the contagious joy and rich cultural symbolism of carnival without leaving the hotel.

Also, guests wishing to immerse themselves fully in the experience can organise a day trip to Santo Domingo or Punta Cana Centre, where carnival reaches its peak.

Click here to find out more about Dominican Carnival: a cultural festival in the heart of the Caribbean.

2. Independence Day (27th of February)

The 27th of February is one of the most important dates on the national calendar, as it commemorates independence from Haiti in 1844, a historic moment that marked the birth of the Dominican Republic as a sovereign nation.

The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the country; the streets are lined with tricolour flags, parades, and patriotic representations, and national music is heard on every corner.

In Punta Cana, Princess Hotels are proud to celebrate this date.

On the 27th of February our resorts are decorated with the colours of the Dominican flag, special menus featuring typical dishes such as mangú, sancocho and beans with rice are offered at our buffets, and cultural shows are organised, including folk dancing, merengue bands and storytelling focussing on the country’s history.

This is a unique opportunity for guests to discover and celebrate the Dominican patriotic spirit while enjoying a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.

3. Día de la Altagracia (Altagracia Day, 21st of January)

The 21st of January is a day of profound devotion for millions of Dominicans, when the country celebrates one of its most important religious festivals in honour of Our Lady of Altagracia, the country’s patron saint.

Although the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia is located in Higüey, this is just a 30-minute drive from Punta Cana, and many guests at Princess Hotels take advantage of the proximity to visit the sanctuary and participate in the masses, processions, and acts of faith that take place during the week.

While our hotels don’t organise religious activities directly, we are happy to provide information and recommendations for those wishing to enjoy this spiritual experience.

It’s also worth remembering that representatives from numerous tour companies are available to help you combine your visit to the cathedral with other attractions in an effort to complete the experience.

This is a perfectly respectful way of recognising the importance of this holiday to our national identity.

4. Feast of Our Lady of Mercedes (24th of September)

Another important religious celebration in the Dominican Republic is the Feast of Our Lady of Mercedes, also known as La Virgen de las Mercedes.

This festival has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation and is celebrated above all in Santo Domingo, where the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, which is dedicated to this Marian devotion, is located.

Although no mass celebrations are held in Punta Cana, the 24th of September is recognised as Día de las Mercedes, and many Dominican families celebrate it with masses, floral offerings and traditional music.

And while no official events are held at Princess Hotels, we do take advantage of the date to highlight the cultural and religious richness of the country through small cultural awareness activities such as themed buffets that feature typical dishes from the Santo Domingo region.

This also provides an opportunity for visitors to better understand how faith and tradition are intertwined in everyday Dominican life.

5. PGA Golf tournament in Corales

If you’re looking something entirely different during your holiday, the Corales Puntacana Championship, part of the PGA TOUR, may be right up your street.

Held annually during the early months of the year, this professional golf tournament brings together the world’s top players on one of the most spectacular courses in the Caribbean, the Corales course, with its ocean-side fairways and challenging design.

The tournament is held about a 20-minute drive from Princess Hotels Punta Cana, making our resorts an excellent base from which to enjoy the event.

Aside from just the sporting aspect, this tournament has also become a high-impact social and tourism-related event that includes concerts, food fairs and family activities; another example of how Punta Cana is able to combine luxury, nature and world-class entertainment.

If you’re a golf enthusiast and are left wanting more, click here to find out where to play golf in Punta Cana: a green-lovers’ guide.

A holiday in the Dominican Republic can be much more than just days spent on the beach, relaxing; it can become a cultural, spiritual or sporting experience full of unique moments.

Whether you feel devotion, patriotic pride, love for art, or a passion for golf, at Princess Hotels Punta Cana we want your stay to include whatever it is you’re most passionate about.

Our privileged locations in Punta Cana allow you to experience the best of the country without sacrificing comfort or service.

What’s your favourite festival? Let us know. We love to hear from you.

Categories: Caribbean, Travel Tips, Discover culture, Lifestyle, Punta Cana